Downgrade Dell Win8 pro to Win7 Pro with Dell DVD

GrayGhost2 said:

I have created the recovery discs for Win8 Pro.

And will be using the Dell supplied "Reinstallation DVD Win 7 Pro x64" following gregrocker's advice at post #20
Next step in Downgrade Windows 8 Preinstalled to Windows 7 -- the preamble (in "Note" panel) implies System Repair Disc - Create in Windows 8 as required!

I understand why the Win8 Recovery Disc is a good idea but do I need a Win8 System Repair Disc - Create in Windows 8 ... considering I am downgrading to Win7 ?
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Then later in the "Note" panel is itemized System Image - Create in Windows 8
Do I need the "System Image" too?
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:)

Hi GrayGhost2,

Apologies for replying late as I was away. Great to hear that you are able to create the backup discs this is something you can use in future if you wish to put the system back on Windows 8.

You can just do a clean install of Windows 7 and that should work on the system with the disc provided by us and it should not ask for the product key.

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

GrayGhost2 said:

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 :)

Hi GrayGhost2,

Once the windows is installed most of the drivers should load automatically. If they don't just enter the service tag of your system and download the relevant drivers from this website:

http://dell.to/XULgT1

Also, check this video for installing drivers for your dell system:

Updating Dell Drivers

Check this video for any premium softwares that you might have purchased with the system:

How to download paid software

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

GrayGhost2 said:

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. :)

Hi GrayGhost2,

I can confirm any customer who has purchased Windows 8 Pro with us can downgrade to Windows 7 professional. If disc is required we would send it out free of cost to all our customers.

Secondly it would not void the warranty in anyway. You would still have the applicable hardware and software warranty with the system.

We always advise to make a backup and then perform a clean re-install of Windows 7. You would not be asked for entering the product key if you are using the discs supplied by us.

Hope it answers your query.

Layback Bear said:

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.
---------
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 Layback Bear,

I can understand it can be really confusing sometimes if you change the installed windows on the system. However, it is price that we all pay to make our computers more personalize.

We have helped alot of customers downgrading to Windows 7 and all that is required is a clean install using the disk provided by us.

We also assist our customers in doing so as Windows 8 Pro is eligible for free downgrade to Windows 7 pro.

I know Windows 8 being the newest operating system with so many changes compared to Windows 7 has been heartbreaking for many customers. Lets hope it gets better by 8.1.

We ship our system with various operating system even Ubuntu as well. It has always been a customer choice of what system they would prefer to go with.

There are many customers facing issues with downgrading windows and also with the new MSATA technology. But I believe this happens whenever something new comes up and it takes time for all of us to understand and resolve the same.

Here is one of the article that i wrote that might be helpful for other users as well to downgrade to Windows 7 whether with disc supplied by us or purchased through Microsoft directly:

http://dell.to/15Cz2AS

We all are trying our best to provide best support so that other users can also easily transfer to any operating system of their choice.

GrayGhost2 said:

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

Attachment 286988

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.
----------

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?

Hi GrayGhost,

It is completely your decision if you wish to install using the OEM disc or make a purchase a retail version.

However, you can try the OEM disc without any charges to you. There would two things that could happen one it asks for the product key and other it doesn't.

I have helped various installation over the phone as well and chances for an OEM disc asking for product key is very slim. So if it doesn't it would get activated automatically.

Now assume it asks for a product key you would still have 30 days of trial and I believe this is more than enough time for us to resolve any activation issue.

So, you can give it a try and let us know how it goes. However, the last decision is always in your hand.

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

Hi SandeepP, thanks for your interest and contribution, :)

SandeepP said:

GrayGhost2 said:

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 :)

Hi GrayGhost2,

Once the windows is installed most of the drivers should load automatically. If they don't just enter the service tag of your system and download the relevant drivers from this website:

http://dell.to/XULgT1

Also, check this video for installing drivers for your dell system:

Updating Dell Drivers

Check this video for any premium softwares that you might have purchased with the system:

How to download paid software

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

I have looked at your suggested How to download paid software ie, "How to use My Dell Downloads"

Only the Win8 Pro (Dell version) is on the Inspiron.
I fail to see what else I would need to down load after the Win7 Pro downgrade.

The utube tutorial lists ... antivirus.
The Dell Inspiron Win8 Pro came with McAfee AV, which has become a nag problem even after uninstalling McAfee with McAfee's own uninstall app "MSPR.exe" from ... McAfee Uninstaller
There is still a McAfee nag hiding somewhere in the bowels of the Dell installation.
If I use the the Dell "Reinstallation DVD, Win7 Pro sp1" I want to control the "extras" Dell assume I will want.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3521, HDD is not a generous size at 300GB (nominal). So I don't want to fill it + the OEM partition with unnecessary bloat-ware.

I've already stated at least once that the Dell reinstallation DVD includes only a Dell logo and preactivation. Why is this still being hashed over? You were given a downgrade to Win7 Pro with the PC. If you are ready then disable Secure Boot, boot the installer to Clean Install Windows 7. Make sure to delete all partitions during install at Steps 7 and 8, create and format New as you wish. Special steps if you're choosing UEFI mode are discussed in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums

There are many tips, tools and methods which work best with Win7 discussed also in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which will assure you don't forget anything, get and keep a perfect install.

GrayGhost2 said:

Hi SandeepP, thanks for your interest and contribution, :)

SandeepP said:

GrayGhost2 said:

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 :)

Hi GrayGhost2,

Once the windows is installed most of the drivers should load automatically. If they don't just enter the service tag of your system and download the relevant drivers from this website:

http://dell.to/XULgT1

Also, check this video for installing drivers for your dell system:

Updating Dell Drivers

Check this video for any premium softwares that you might have purchased with the system:

How to download paid software

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

I have looked at your suggested How to download paid software ie, "How to use My Dell Downloads"

Only the Win8 Pro (Dell version) is on the Inspiron.
I fail to see what else I would need to down load after the Win7 Pro downgrade.

The utube tutorial lists ... antivirus.
The Dell Inspiron Win8 Pro came with McAfee AV, which has become a nag problem even after uninstalling McAfee with McAfee's own uninstall app "MSPR.exe" from ... McAfee Uninstaller
There is still a McAfee nag hiding somewhere in the bowels of the Dell installation.
If I use the the Dell "Reinstallation DVD, Win7 Pro sp1" I want to control the "extras" Dell assume I will want.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3521, HDD is not a generous size at 300GB (nominal). So I don't want to fill it + the OEM partition with unnecessary bloat-ware.

Hi GrayGhost2,

There are many users who purchase premium softwares from us with the system. And when they do a OS reinstall they want those softwares back on the system.

So that link is for the users who are looking to download and install softwares they have paid for and have active license for the same.

If you have not purchased any of them or don't want to keep them it is completely a user choice.

Also, Reinstallation DVD, Win7 Pro sp1 DVD would contain only windows and not any softwares. However, after reinstall you might need to install drivers for which you can check the link shared above or feel free to contact me.

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

Thanks SandeepP for your response and kind offer. :)

I will get back to you when time permits. Still working well past my use-by-date
It is nice being head hunted after 4 decades of experience (...and I enjoy what I do).

Regards :)

Hi "theog" :)

theog post #4 said:

1) Downgrade to Windows 7.
Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7

Referring to your tutorial Downgrade Windows 8 Preinstalled to Windows 7



Do I need System Repair Disc - Create in Windows 8 ? Considering I am downgrading from Win8 Pro to Win7 Pro (the topic of this thread) with a "Reinstallation DVD, Win7 Pro sp1" disc (provided by Dell) ?
I dont anticipate reinstating the factory Win8 -- unless I need to return the Dell to factory Win8 Pro state for warranty reasons.

Thank you :)