Downgrade Dell Win8 pro to Win7 Pro with Dell DVD

jimbo45 +1

Safer link to drivers Software is DriverScanner link at the bottom of drivers web page.

The drivers link has two pirate buttons that look harmless but the "scan now" buttons contradict "Uniblue's" first step ... download.

Thank you for "Acronis" and "Driver Scanner" suggestions :)

gregrocker +1 (post #37) :)
The Dell disc is SP1.

gregrocker said:

...You would only need a Win8 System Image if you thought you might want to go back to it without reinstalling.

Dell laptop is only 6 weeks old.
So I would need "Win8 Repair CD" to ensure the Dell is in factory order. (Win8) for warranty repairs ?

Thank you :)

There seems to be a fair bit of controversy through this thread about source of Win7 downgrade.
1. Win7 Pro downgrade from my "Reinstallation DVD, Win7 Pro sp1" (ex Dell)
2. Win7 (any) from a new MS OEM DVD.

If I am reading previous threads correctly I might not be able to depend on Dell to "deliver" in the future.
My first-hand experience of multi-nationals is that the rules can change at a whim !

I find it incredible if I downgrade to Win7 with the Dell "Reinstallation DVD, Win7 Pro sp1" disc, the Dell laptop warranty would be voided, even though the Win7 OS is from their disc.
(I do understand the purpose of the Win8 recovery-disc to ensure the Dell laptop is in factory order, if needs be)

I just want to be clear in my own mind. :)

I have slowly read through all this thread. It does get confusing to me.
I have learned two things.
1. Don't buy a Dell with a operating system installed. (If that can be done)
2. Don't buy Windows 8.
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GrayGhost2 is one customer with one Dell computer with Windows 8 installed.
Can you imagine 100,000 or more customers going through the same head aches without the Windows 7 Forum for help?
What a bag of worms.

Hi "gregrocker" :)

Grayhost2 post #9 ... 9-Sept-2013 said:

I phoned Dell support today to find out if the Dell "Reinstallation DVD Windows 7 x64" would successfully slip into place. After 5 frustrating hours, 6 phone calls + 5 emails I was told the motherboard is hard coded with the product code for Win8 and that I might have problems registering Windows 7.
Dell suggestion was to buy Windows 7 OEM and install it.
I have lost a day and then some, on extracting blood out of the Dell stone. It is simpler to buy Windows 7 OEM and get on with it.

... consequently Dell started processing a refund for the "Reinstallation DVD, Win7 Pro sp1" disc.

SandeepP ... post #10 ... 9-Sept-2013 said:

Hi GrayGhost2,
Thanks for your reply. I regret for the inconvenience that had been caused to you to downgrade to Windows 7.
You should be able to downgrade to any of the versions whether 32 bit of 64 bit. Please check this link below where you can find the drivers for the same:
3521 drivers
Please let me know what issue you faced while installing Windows 7 on the system. As I have come across a lot of customers who not only installed windows 7 but even was able to install XP and drivers on system shipped with Windows 8.
If required I might be able to send out the disk as well for you if you have not yet received the same yet.
If you have already purchased an OEM disc then you can follow then follow the steps in this link below:
Clean Install Windows 7

Keep us posted with the results so we can advise you further.

... so I emailed Dell and explained I would continue with the "Reinstallation DVD, Win7 Pro sp1" disc!
... forget the refund.

gregrocker ... post #20 ... 16-Sept-2013 said:

What I would do is ignore Dell's advice for now since they are obligated by the EULA to provide you with downgrade rights to Windows 7 on a PC sold with Windows 8 Professional, so MS Customer Service will intervene if they don't. By pressing forward you will be helping others assure they get the Downgrade they are entitled to with Professional version under the Windows 8 and Windows 7 EULA. Dell cannot act in violation of these governing rules for the OS version they sold you and which you now own to use as you please under the EULA.

Boot into BIOS setup to disable Secure boot as shown in Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7. Once you've done that boot the Windows 7 DVD which you rightfully already own to install Windows 7 using the special steps for UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with.

The tutorial for Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 is more a general guide for tips on getting and keeping a perfect install. Much of it compiles everything that may be needed to be backed up first to avoid forgetting something important like email folders, hidden QuickBooks data, or other files. It also can guide you on the best tools and methods which work best with Windows 7.

After install check Activation and if it does not activate, you can contact Dell right here via our resident Dell technician SanDeepP who will advocate that you get what you are owed.

The fallback is that we can at any time file a case with MS Customer service which will not allow open violations of the EULA for Downgrade rights and will always protect the customer. This is why they allow Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to bring customers under MS protection. If there is an issue with auto-activation failing for downgrades then they need to know it and correct it.

... from where I stand in my ignorance its getting complicated and a bit "iffy" with the Dell "Reinstallation DVD, Win7 Pro sp1" disc.

SandeepP ... post #24 ... 16-Sept-2013 said:

As these downgrade rights are not provided by us but by Microsoft and we are honoring the same. Check this Microsoft EULA below:
Understanding downgrade rights]Understanding downgrade rights

The disc you have is correct and should work with the system. Please use the same and let us know if you face any issues with it.

... the Dell "Reinstallation DVD, Win7 Pro sp1" is in a white sealed envelope



It is 10 years plus since I activated an OS. For memory the product code was monumental "string".

The Dell only has a Service tag and Express Service code, label on the laptop base.
No sign of `Product key" label.
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I too have just re-read this entire thread trying to get a fresh over-view of various contributions.
My personal experience (by phone) with Dell has been nothing less than appalling.
"SandeepP's contribution has been very generous, but I have to make a decision based on Dell's over all performance, which is very poor. (With all due respect to SandeepP).

I am going to buy a new MS OEM Win7 and clean install it onto the Dell, with help (I hope) of this forum.

That will leave me, at least, with a DVD too. And with a Win8 Recovery disc, should all be sweet.
The Dell warranty will be irrelevant in 10-11 months time. And I sure could do without the Dell bloat ware.
This Dell HDD is nominal 300GB (actual is 285.2GB according to "System Spec 3.06). Rather slim considering my 16 month old Win7 Toshiba is 500GB and was cheaper than the Dell.

Should I stay with this thread or raise a new thread for the installation of the new (non Dell) Win7?