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View Full Version : Can one still get Windows 7 when buying a new computer?


billethkid
01-06-2016, 02:52 PM
I want to get my sister a new lap top but do not want to get Windows 10 if at all possible.

Is there an option still available for Windows 7?

tomwed
01-06-2016, 03:13 PM
I could only find refurbished computers.
I did find the Windows 7 professional for sale for $140. So you could buy a new computer and then install Windows 7. click here
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416803&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC-_-pla-_-Software+-+Operating+Systems-_-N82E16832416803&gclid=CjwKEAiAk7O0BRD9_Ka2w_PhwSkSJAAmKswxN0nAEMCU Lp7X-91CCRVYDVSJCBsIjI96mc5gjnzy3hoCxlbw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)

I have a suggestion. I have a loved one and quite frankly I got tired of fixing windows. I bought her a $200 Chromebook from Walmart. I think Walmart said she had 10 days to return it. She was against the idea but after she started using it for 15 minutes she was very happy. I wanted to get her one with a bigger screen and keyboard but she was happy.

Regor
01-06-2016, 03:36 PM
Windows 8 came out in 2012, so not much chance of a NEW win 7 computer. I have 10 on 3 computers and wouldn't dream of stepping back to a 7 computer.

jblum315
01-06-2016, 03:53 PM
10 is really a lot like 7. I don't have any problem with it

dadspet
01-06-2016, 04:10 PM
Not sure why you want W7 but I've updated to W10 and its preferable to W10.

capecoralbill
01-06-2016, 05:23 PM
I upgraded from 7 to 10 and I could not locate any of my desktop homepage icons nor the tray icons. Also could not find my bookmarks aka favorites list. Luckliy on the install win10 has a go back to previous version by using the Start ball in the left bottom of screen, then typing update then recovery. How is this better? Hard for an old dog to learn a new program. So many improvements just seem like repackaging, and forcing us to upgrade. Guess im not alone, Bill

kstew43
01-06-2016, 05:26 PM
i felt the same as you, wanting my old style 7... the only places i could find to buy is from the actual manufacturer site. i was looking at a HP...
they are still out there....

Madelaine Amee
01-07-2016, 08:02 AM
When you get Windows 7 could you see if they have a nice 8 track player.
Thanks!

I think your post was unnecessarily condescending:D. There are many people in this world who have no wish to embrace all the new technologies and are making their way quite happily with software such as Windows 7 which is more than adequate to handle the requirements of the average person, and even use flip top phones instead of smart phones.

My other half had a position in his working career that afforded him a secretary - who fielded all his calls, a travel department who knew exactly how he liked to travel on business, various assistants in the office to take care of things he needed doing. He is now quite happy to make his way through a computer which is simple and easy to understand. It's a bit annoying for me because I am the techi in the family and I have to constantly be aware of his shortcomings in learning anything new, but I can get around it without dismissing him as less than intelligent.

Jima64
01-07-2016, 08:29 AM
Some websites might list remaining stock with 7 on it. i too prefer the older systems but eventually switched to a chromebook to get away from windows and microsoft. works for me. Have 7 on my other computers which are not used that much and refuse to upgrade.

Ecuadog
01-07-2016, 09:53 AM
I recently had to replace an old, under powered, XP laptop. Although I am happy with and very comfortable with W7, I went for a new one with W10. I figured that I have the time to learn something new and from what I have read, W10 ain't no W8.

Long story short... The learning curve wasn't that bad and I am a happy camper.

bbbbbb
04-01-2016, 08:32 PM
Hi, seven and ten are really close. Then if you want to pursue it, check around for an independent geek or computer guy or gal and then you can get them to remove most systems and then install it for you. However, be careful because they have to be SURE that your operating system is available for the change.
After talking to a tech awhile you will be able to have faith. If you want, I can give you the name of a guy in Oregon that can do it and make it work. Let me know. He is good and reasonable, so there is some postage fees but it may be worth it.
pnb900@msn.com

Hancle704
04-01-2016, 09:54 PM
I tried Windows 10 upgrade and it no longer has Internet Games that I enjoyed. It also would not open links contained in my inbox emails. Switched back to W7.

Now for the OP, go to Amazon.com and enter Windows 7 Laptop Computers and you will find they still have some in stock that can also be upgraded to W10 if you decide to do that later on.

KittyKat
04-01-2016, 11:02 PM
My computer with Windows Vista died last year. My b-i-l encouraged me to get an Acer Aspire with Windows 7. I bought mine at Amazon. When I sign on I get a pop-up window to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. I mainly play games, shop, do Facebook and email. I'm happy with 7. :024:

JoMar
04-02-2016, 02:35 PM
W7 is a good operating system but it won't be much longer and the support will go away. In addition, applications developers are focused on W10 and upgrades or new programs for W7 have started to diminish and will disappear. W10 is good alternative because it can run similar to W7. I do believe a previous poster said it correctly, it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks but unfortunately, technology moves on. The good news is that the only ones that are impacted are those that don't stay current, and that doesn't impact anyone else. Of course there is always Apple :)

jnieman
04-02-2016, 02:45 PM
Amazon.com: Dell Inspiron 3847 Desktop (Windows 7 Professional, Intel Quad Core i5-4460 up to 3.4GHz, 12GB DDR3, 1TB HDD): Computers & Accessories (http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-Desktop-Windows-Professional/dp/B010MO00ZS/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1459626120&sr=8-12&keywords=computer+with+windows+7)

Go to Amazon and do a search computer with windows 7. Above is only one of a few I came up with.

Shimpy
04-02-2016, 03:43 PM
My computer with Windows Vista died last year. My b-i-l encouraged me to get an Acer Aspire with Windows 7. I bought mine at Amazon. When I sign on I get a pop-up window to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. I mainly play games, shop, do Facebook and email. I'm happy with 7. :024:

KittyKat, I've been turning down upgrading to Windows 10 from 8.something for quite a long time now..............Then a few days ago they gave me no choice and did it without my permission. No problems so far.

jnieman
04-02-2016, 04:44 PM
W7 is a good operating system but it won't be much longer and the support will go away. In addition, applications developers are focused on W10 and upgrades or new programs for W7 have started to diminish and will disappear. W10 is good alternative because it can run similar to W7. I do believe a previous poster said it correctly, it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks but unfortunately, technology moves on. The good news is that the only ones that are impacted are those that don't stay current, and that doesn't impact anyone else. Of course there is always Apple :)

How much longer will there be support? I have it on 2 of our three computers and hubby has no desire to change.

Villager Dude
04-02-2016, 10:05 PM
Microsoft states that Win 7 will not longer be supported after 2020.

2BNTV
04-03-2016, 09:54 AM
Microsoft states that Win 7 will not longer be supported after 2020.

I used to be a techie but don't keep up with all the latest changes. With that being said, I am still reluctant to upgrade my Windows version, but realize that I will have to bite the bullet and a learning curve will ensue.

Most people resist having to learn something new but Microsoft is calling the shots as usual, and we don't have much choice, after awhile.

When I was in the field, people learned the learning curve wasn't the worst thing in the world. :smiley:

jnieman
04-03-2016, 10:04 AM
Microsoft states that Win 7 will not longer be supported after 2020.

Thanks it is nice to know I have 4 years to think about it. I have windows 8.1 on one computer and 7 on the other two. Is windows 10 similar to 8.1 or have they incorporated some of the old windows 7 features?

Polar Bear
04-03-2016, 11:08 AM
Just two cents from the peanut gallery and long time geek...

Bite the bullet and go to Windows 10. Yes, there is a learning curve. But once you've learned...and you will, sooner than you think with a little effort...you'll have the best of both worlds.

Win 10 does a good job of looking like 7 if you want it too. But 10 allows so much more flexibility to make you PC look and feel exactly like you want it to. Quick boot ups. Better performance. Simple apps to do almost anything without the complexities of full-blown application installations.

Different? Absolutely. And 'different' can be a real pain for a while...been there! :) But the key phrase is 'for a while'. With a little effort, it will be a fairly short while. Then it's all good.

villagetinker
04-03-2016, 12:17 PM
I also delayed on the upgrade on my W7 PC for several months, then I went ahead. The good news, the upgrade went very smoothly, I have my OLD desktop, all of my favorites, and most of my software continued to work. Had to reinstall may scanner software, and had to get their tech support to make the upgrade work. Also, W10 DOES NOT HAVE DVD support built in. Since I had the premium version of W7, my downloaded version had a DVD player, which is JUNK. I am looking for another one.

I agree there is a learning curve, but with the help button, I have found everything I need, including the old DOS command line!! (which I still use occasionally).

OP, IMHO, get a new PC with W10, and go to one of the computer clubs, get the basics, and you will be good to go.

rubicon
04-03-2016, 12:54 PM
KittyKat, I've been turning down upgrading to Windows 10 from 8.something for quite a long time now..............Then a few days ago they gave me no choice and did it without my permission. No problems so far.

I keep getting a notice for a free download for Windows 10 and have ignored it so far. So you caught my attention when you said "they "gave me no choice and did īt"without my permission. Who is "they"and what is "īt" they did?.

rubicon
04-03-2016, 12:55 PM
Microsoft states that Win 7 will not longer be supported after 2020.

Heck window 7 might last longer than me:D

villagetinker
04-03-2016, 02:38 PM
I keep getting a notice for a free download for Windows 10 and have ignored it so far. So you caught my attention when you said "they "gave me no choice and did īt"without my permission. Who is "they"and what is "īt" they did?.

Microsoft, had a news release (or something similar) 1-2 months ago, indicating they were going to "force" the upgrade to user. There were some exceptions for enterprise users. So, when that came out is when I decided to do the upgrade on my terms. First, backup your hard drive, second backup your hard drive, then and only then start the upgrade. You might want to make sure you have 2-3 HOURS, this can take a while. There are several reboots, and as I recall no user intervention.
Hope this helps.

Nucky
04-03-2016, 03:12 PM
Chromebook is excellent. But update schupdate. If you want long term excellent use of a computer instead of updating and repairing and viruses then bite the bullet and buy a Mac.
You will be happy you did. You can will the Mac to your great grandchildren. I did.

Polar Bear
04-03-2016, 03:33 PM
Wondered how long before the 'go Mac' angle would come up. Just sent my newly purchased Mac laptop back and went with a Windows 10 laptop.

Mac's are fine. I'm not bashing. I purchased it just for the geekness...experience both worlds. Keeping all my stuff in one system made me reconsider.

But I saw nothing in the Mac that Windows can't provide...longtime satisfied Windows user here.

Shimpy
04-03-2016, 04:57 PM
[QUOTE=rubicon;1208057 So you caught my attention when you said "they "gave me no choice and did īt"without my permission. Who is "they"and what is "īt" they did?.[/QUOTE]

"They" is Microsoft and they upgraded me to Windows 10 right in the middle of whatever I was doing. I guess Microsoft got tired of me declining an upgrade so they decided to do it anyway.

Uberschaf
04-03-2016, 05:28 PM
At the end of July 2016 the free upgrade will stop.You will have to buy Win 10 after that if you need to upgrade.Win 10 does not need a antivirus it has Windows Defender.

Polar Bear
04-03-2016, 06:52 PM
...Win 10 does not need a antivirus it has Windows Defender.
A little duplication in the virus protection arena can be a good thing.

rexxfan
04-03-2016, 09:06 PM
Microsoft, had a news release (or something similar) 1-2 months ago, indicating they were going to "force" the upgrade to user. There were some exceptions for enterprise users. So, when that came out is when I decided to do the upgrade on my terms. First, backup your hard drive, second backup your hard drive, then and only then start the upgrade. You might want to make sure you have 2-3 HOURS, this can take a while. There are several reboots, and as I recall no user intervention.
Hope this helps.
Actually what they did was promote the Win10 upgrade to a "recommended" update. So, if you had previously set Windows Update to take both critical and recommended updates, you got Windows 10 soon thereafter (but only if Microsoft's system checker concluded your PC had what it takes to run it). A fine point perhaps, but it wasn't technically forced. You always had the option to only take critical updates.

For what its worth, while there is a bit of a learning curve with Windows 10, there are options you can use to configure it to resemble Windows 7 very closely. That said, if you don't have Windows 10 yet and are certain you never want it, you can download the "Never10" tool at https://www.grc.com/never10.htm and run it. Or go to the upcoming Villages Computer Plus meeting where this topic will be being discussed at length.

Regarding your DVD issue, perhaps have a look at the VLC player. If I recall correctly, it can play DVD's. It is sort of a Swiss Army knife type tool for all things video.
--
Bob C

villagetinker
04-04-2016, 08:32 AM
Rexxfan,

Good clarification, and thanks for the tip on the DVD player, I will check it out.

VT

Clawdio45
04-04-2016, 10:26 AM
Win10 boots and closes much faster than Win7. It is less memory intensive and has a smaller system "footprint" because it no longer uses the "aero glass" interface that was supposed to give Win7 a sort of 3-D look. The one caveat I'd pass on is this: Win10 by default sends all kinds of tracking info back to Microsoft. When you first set it up, though, you can turn off the permissions for this intrusion. I did.

rexxfan
04-04-2016, 04:12 PM
Win10 boots and closes much faster than Win7. It is less memory intensive and has a smaller system "footprint" because it no longer uses the "aero glass" interface that was supposed to give Win7 a sort of 3-D look. The one caveat I'd pass on is this: Win10 by default sends all kinds of tracking info back to Microsoft. When you first set it up, though, you can turn off the permissions for this intrusion. I did.

For what its worth, the "tracking information" supposedly does not contain personally identifiable information, just telemetry intended to help Microsoft improve the system (e.g. performance, memory usage, information about crashes, etc.).
--
Bob C

rexxfan
04-06-2016, 08:00 AM
I upgraded from 7 to 10 and I could not locate any of my desktop homepage icons nor the tray icons. Also could not find my bookmarks aka favorites list. Luckliy on the install win10 has a go back to previous version by using the Start ball in the left bottom of screen, then typing update then recovery. How is this better? Hard for an old dog to learn a new program. So many improvements just seem like repackaging, and forcing us to upgrade. Guess im not alone, Bill

I understand you've gone back to Windows 7, and that's fine. Use what you're comfortable with. I just wanted to point out a few things that might help someone else confronted with the same issues you raised.

Regarding the missing tray icons, they're not missing. Rather they are all grouped together in a menu that you can popup by clicking the caret symbol (It looks like this: ^) to the right hand side of your taskbar. When you click that, a small window pops up and shows you all the tray icons. If you want them always displayed rather than tucked away like this, there's a setting for that. To get to it, click the start menu button and type "Settings" (or press the Windows Key and I at the same time). Then click "System", then "Notifications and Actions" and finally "Select which icons appear on the taskbar". Change the "Always show all icons in the notification area" setting from Off to On. That will restore all the tray icons.

Regarding the favorites issue, see the article here Find missing favorites in File Explorer - Windows Help - (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/find-missing-favorites-in-file-explorer).

I'm not sure what the problem with your "desktop homepage" icons might be, I think I'd have had to see it in person, but since you've reverted to Windows 7 its a moot point.

I hope this helps someone.
--
Bob C

Shimpy
04-06-2016, 03:45 PM
Rexxfan.......Your info is really appreciated here. My only problem with Windows 10 now that they have installed it for me is I can't figure how to "sign off" or "switch users". I have to first close down or go to sleep then reopen under a different user. I would appreciate your help.

Polar Bear
04-06-2016, 06:36 PM
Rexxfan.......Your info is really appreciated here. My only problem with Windows 10 now that they have installed it for me is I can't figure how to "sign off" or "switch users". I have to first close down or go to sleep then reopen under a different user. I would appreciate your help.
When you click on the Start Button, you should see a 3-bar icon on the top left. You click on that and you should see your user icon. Then click on that and you'll get the options you're looking for.

obxgal
04-06-2016, 09:42 PM
I right click the start button and found that the easiest way to sign out. It's also easier to get to your different commands.

rexxfan
04-07-2016, 03:27 PM
Click the start button. Then click your account picture.
--
Bob C

rexxfan
04-07-2016, 03:29 PM
I right click the start button and found that the easiest way to sign out. It's also easier to get to your different commands.

That works as well, but exposes an advanced menu that may not be the best thing for less-technically-inclined folk to go noodling around with ;-)
--
Bob C

billethkid
04-07-2016, 06:28 PM
I assume the only downside to staying with W7 is some future programs may not work.

But if one only does email, researching with existing browsers, no gaming, no movie downloads......evrything else is done via iPhone or iPad.

Am I missing any other potential downside(s)?

CFrance
04-07-2016, 06:51 PM
The downside would be that eventually they will stop supporting 7 with updates and security patches. Then the computer would be vulnerable to viruses.

obxgal
04-07-2016, 08:49 PM
One of the downfalls I found was my printer that worked well with vista and windows 7 was not comparable with windows 10. I work with PSP7 (a paint shop program) which came out about 14 years ago and that does work with windows 10, which made me a happy camper.

rexxfan
04-08-2016, 03:41 PM
The downside would be that eventually they will stop supporting 7 with updates and security patches. Then the computer would be vulnerable to viruses.

Right, and that happens sometime in 2020.
--
Bob C

john.np2b
04-09-2016, 05:33 AM
W10 has been out since July and most everyone is satisfied with it. Remember all new programs are / will be written for W10 compatibility, security updates and bug fixes will be written around W10, new hardware will be developed with W10 compatibility, like it or not, you're going to have to go to W10 eventually! The good part is that if you have 7 or a version of 8, it's free until late July and since you will eventually be forced to do it anyway, my recommendation, FWIW, is just do it, Besides, it works!

Record10ti
04-19-2016, 11:06 AM
A little duplication in the virus protection arena can be a good thing.

Duplication? Huh? AV is best run at the gateway anyhow. Once your system "see's" a virus...too late.

Walter123
04-19-2016, 11:57 AM
I want to get my sister a new lap top but do not want to get Windows 10 if at all possible.

Is there an option still available for Windows 7?

To answer your question, Yes. I bought a copy of Windows 7 last week from Amazon for $47. I was running Vista. Once you install it you will get the option to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

Polar Bear
04-19-2016, 12:42 PM
Duplication? Huh?...Once your system "see's" a virus...too late.

Not if the right program sees it first. I guess Norton, McAfee and all their competitors in the client-side protection business are just running a huge scam?

A big ol' "Huh?" right backatcha.

Record10ti
04-19-2016, 02:02 PM
What is "duplication"? And yes, for the most part Norton et al are in fact running a scam. Even more so with the giant system bloat of "Utilities". I am sure you know that the "virus" of the past has been taken over by more fun types of malware - most of which are user run (and thus circumventing Norton). The more MMC we see the more blocking at the gateway is needed (and becoming more common even for home users).

That said, if you have Norton and McAfee on the same system - neither will work properly. I will stick to Defender and have my Gateway handle the real protection tasks

Record10ti
04-19-2016, 02:11 PM
To answer your question, Yes. I bought a copy of Windows 7 last week from Amazon for $47. I was running Vista. Once you install it you will get the option to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.


So YOUR the one who paid for W7.

If any one needs one I am happy to donate a W7 (all versions 32/64bit) DVD to your cause.