Downgrade Dell Win8 pro to Win7 Pro with Dell DVD

Thanks Greg(rocker) for your help, :)

Its way past my bed time, but I just had to thank you for your help.

I'll get into this process to-morrow. Work load permitting.

Regards
the-bald-one :)

gregrocker said:

Thanks, SanDeep, and Kudos to Dell for having you here. Your help is always first rate. I like to think its the Seven Forums in you! You are certainly a key and important member here.

Hi gregrocker,

Thanks alot for your comments I am really honored. I hope to provide and find as much information as possible for our users. I have learned alot for various awesome tutorials posted by you as well.

Proud to be a part of this community.

theog said:

Hi SandeepP

http://dell.to/17XJ0OW

DELL said:

To enable downgrade to Windows 7 on this system the BIOS settings on this system were changed to boot into legacy BIOS mode.
If the BIOS setting is not changed to native UEFI mode boot prior to installing,
Windows 8 Pro will install; however, the following Windows 8 Pro functionalities will not work as they rely on a native UEFI mode boot:

The way I read the above is

Step 1) Set UEFI/BIOS firmware to Legacy mode.

Step 2) Reset UEFI/BIOS firmware to UEFI mode.

Do you Know what settings are in CSM?

Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7

theog said:

   Note

You may also need to

Make sure CSM is ENABLED, & set to UEFI boot.

enable Boot Menu.

enable BIOS password.

Technical Note: UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS, Advantech(EN) - YouTube

On some OEM manufacturer's the CSM setting are
UEFI = Windows 8 only
Legacy = All OS.
UEFI & Legacy = All OS.

Attachment 284909

Hi theog,

We do not have the CSM option in the BIOS of the system. I haven't come across any dell system yet with this option available in our BIOS.

Here is the screenshot for the BIOS of this system which provides only two UEFI and Legacy Mode:

GrayGhost2 said:

Hi "SandeepP"
Thank you for your response. :)

I visited your suggested http://dell.to/17XJ0OW but "Dell Inspiron 15 3521" is not listed
Attachment 284908

Also, if customer request we are also sending the disks for Windows 7 Pro as well for downgrade

IF the Inspiron 15 can be downgraded ... do I have the disk. ?
This is the disc that Dell phone support told me would not be recognised (rejected) by Microsoft registration.
Dell are sending a refund for this DVD.
Attachment 284906 Attachment 284907


If this is an "appropriate" downgrade disc ... can I downgrade from Win-8 x64 Pro to Win-7 x32 Pro, using this Dell disc. ?

Daughter installed MS Office 2010 (on the Win8 x64 OS) but it was auto installed as x32 ??
Why when the OS is 64 bit?

Thanks again :)

Hi GrayGhost2,

Thanks for your reply.

I understand it states in the article that it is better to have the drivers downloaded for the Windows 7. However, most of the drivers are downloaded automatically in Windows 7. And even if they don't then you have all the drivers available below

Driver for 3521

Even if the system is not on the list then also I can confirm you are eligible for a free a downgrade provided the system was shipped with Windows 8 Pro.

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

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.

You should be able to install windows and activate the same. If you come across any issues do feel free to post here so we can assist you further if required.

Also, I have helped users even to downgrade to Windows XP from Windows 8. It is completely possible only and if drivers for the operating system is available and you are willing to spend the time it required to find it.

So go ahead with the same at your convenience and let us know if you come across any trouble. Keep us posted with the results so we can advise you further.

Thank SandeepP for your response.

One question.
Will the "Reinstallation DVD Windows 7 Professional 64-bit" disc still provide an installable Win-7 OS if the HDD fails in the future ?.

I do not want to be a lab-rat for a theory, that requires hours and days of my time to resolve.
The cost of a new non-Dell Win-7 DVD is peanuts in my business.

I still appreciate your envolvement and dedication

Thank you :)

GrayGhost2 said:

Thank SandeepP for your response.

One question.
Will the "Reinstallation DVD Windows 7 Professional 64-bit" disc still provide an installable Win-7 OS if the HDD fails in the future ?.

I do not want to be a lab-rat for a theory, that requires hours and days of my time to resolve.
The cost of a new non-Dell Win-7 DVD is peanuts in my business.

I still appreciate your envolvement and dedication

Thank you :)

Hi GrayGhost2,

Sure you can use the same disk to reinstall windows on the system anytime you wish. You can use the same disk to reinstall windows any number of times on this system.

However, this might be required as there are many better backup options available like suggested by Greg here in which you can load the complete windows image with drivers and software that you require.

I hope this answers your query. If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us.

Thanks "SandeepP", "gregrocker" and all for your support.

I am currently following "Greg's" how-to and am still wading through several tutorials on this forum.
Lots of "ducking" (DuckDuckGo search engine) ... more than I imagined! Trying to get a smattering of knowledge/understanding along the way.

I have not dropped out :)

GrayGhost2 said:

Thanks "SandeepP", "gregrocker" and all for your support.

I am currently following "Greg's" how-to and am still wading through several tutorials on this forum.
Lots of "ducking" (DuckDuckGo search engine) ... more than I imagined! Trying to get a smattering of knowledge/understanding along the way.

I have not dropped out :)

Hi GrayGhost2,

You welcome. Please follow the tutorials and I am sure you would get there. And if not I am sure Greg and many other info abundant users are available here to help you.

If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us.