Windows 7 compatibility with Skylake processors / Windows 10 Spying

[EvilMonkey]

Hi Guys,

Apologies if this was mentioned elsewhere, I can't really find anything.

Does anyone know if I would be able to use Win 7 on OPTIMUS VII or any other PCS laptop with skylake processor?

I'm not very comfortable with information that Win 10 can track everything I do and install / check / delete programs or files without my authorisation combined with new Intel processors always listening (even when turned off) everything - and possibly? send it as well?

I use VPN to protect my privacy but looks like VPN would be useless with new hardware and software..

Now it looks like I won't be able to install Windows 7 to overcome this problem on new (pre-production) £1000 laptop ..
Is this really the case?

Has someone got Win 7 successfully working on new machine with Intel gen 6 processors?
Is this privacy invasion just a rumours or real thing?
Many thanks

 

[Rakk]

Looking at this thread it Win 7 may well not work on the Optimus VII: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?45242-Can-t-install-Windows-7&highlight=install
Some threads I've seen suggest it may only be if you have a certain hard drive type, but I'm really not sure, all I do know is that it cannot be ordered with Win7 and you get a big red warning saying

Unfortunately Microsoft® Windows 7 is no longer supported on this configuration. We cannot confirm that the drivers we provide will enable you to correctly install and configure all of the components that you are planning to order and therefore we do not recommend that you install Microsoft® Windows 7

if you say you'll be installing Win7 on it.

 

[ubuysa]

I think you're panicking unnecessarily. It's true that Windows 10 can collect a lot more data and send it to Microsoft but most of that can be turned off, most of it is associated with Cortana which you can disable should you not want to use it (I don't). It is a bit of a hassle at first to go through all the options, and some are online, but you can stop the data collection that Windows 10 does over and above that done by Windows 7.

The idea of any processor collecting anything when turned off is laughable.

Windows 10 does not install or delete programs without your authorisation, actually is doesn't do that at all, you have to manually install and remove programs just as with Windows 7. Windows 10 does automatically install updates, but this is actually a good thing because it protects you from known issues.

Stop worrying, if Windows 10 were as bad as you think then none of us would be running it!

 

[EvilMonkey]

Thank you Rakk for link, I've missed that thread.
I do need to check other threads you mentioned about possibility that its hard drives type causing problem..
I do wonder if problem is only/mainly with installation (usb3 drivers) or drivers generally for everything once you manage to install it somehow..
I've seen camera seems be an issue but I'm not really bothered about camera anyway..

tbh I wasn't going to install Win7 but wanted to have an option to do so in case Win 10 isn't my thing..

 

[EvilMonkey]

hahaa

THanks ubuysa ,
I did think that perhaps I'm bit paranoid with win 10.. its good to hear I should be able to turn all data collection off..

Ref skylake turn on voice.. I did think its probably just feature which listen all the time but don't save/record anything.. perhaps just triggers command once certain words been recognised.. hmm??

I will certainly give Win 10 a go, just feel bit disappointed that these days manufactures build devices restricted to one OS.. I guess Linux would also be no option on Optimus VII? (btw I'm not Linux user just like freedom of choice just in case )

 

[EvilMonkey]

I have found Sager (another Clevo builder) provides Win 7 drivers for N170NR..
I guess these should work on Optimus VII, is that right?
thanks

 

[Stephen M]

Linux would be OK on the Optimus, despite the rather worrying warnings PCS are still putting out. There have been issues with some things but mostly worked out. You may also find drivers at the Clevo site: http://www.clevo.com.tw/clevo_down.asp?lang=en

 

[EvilMonkey]

Thanks Stephen
Good to hear Linux should be good to try.
Regarding drivers ; I've already looked at Clevo site but they only provide Win 10 drivers.

Only builder who got win7 drivers available to download for Clevo N170RD (17" Optimus VII) seems to be Sager.
I wonder if they checked them and all work or if that's just mistake on their website.. bit strange Clevo themselves don't provide them..

Mine new laptop is on its way to me now.. might try to do dual boot Win10/Win7 over xmas break.. and test Sager win 7 drivers.

 

[NeVMiku]

Thanks Stephen
Good to hear Linux should be good to try.
Regarding drivers ; I've already looked at Clevo site but they only provide Win 10 drivers.

Only builder who got win7 drivers available to download for Clevo N170RD (17" Optimus VII) seems to be Sager.
I wonder if they checked them and all work or if that's just mistake on their website.. bit strange Clevo themselves don't provide them..

Mine new laptop is on its way to me now.. might try to do dual boot Win10/Win7 over xmas break.. and test Sager win 7 drivers.

Good luck with that.

I was trying to install Windows 7 myself but got stuck on getting the boot drive to work properly in UEFI. If you have succeeded in installing Windows 7 then please let me know. I would love to know how you did it! Can you please provide the link to the Sager drivers? Thanks, although I find out that most of the drivers labelled "Windows 10" on the PCS site works with Windows 7.