I just built a new computer and installed Windows 8 and update 8.1. But I find now that I don't like Windows 8 and want to get rid of Windows 8 and install Windows 7. Can I just reformat the disk or how do I delete Windows 8? I have no other programs installed yet.

Yes, format your drive and start over.

If you have a Windows 7 disk you can boot to it and install it as a fresh install.

If you configure Win 8 to boot to the desktop instead of the Start screen and get yourself a Start Menu replacement then it would be similar to Win 7.

Yes, before you go back to another OS, try Scottgems idea. Since the 8.1 update you can configure Win 8 to open to the desktop instead of the oft confusing Metro GUI. There are a few good start menu replacements and some are even free like the classic shell (open source). Just search for "start menu replacements for Win 8" and look at the reviews for the free versions to see what others prefer and why. Look here: List of Start Menu replacements for Windows 8 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Use Classic Shell. It's free, I use use for all my tech support clients that hate the default Win 8 interface.

Classic Shell - Start menu and other Windows enhancements

Thanks much for your answers, I think I will take Scottgem's advice and stay with Windows 8, for the time being, anyway. Thanks again, I really appreciate all your advice.

Glad to assist