Downgrade Dell Win8 pro to Win7 Pro with Dell DVD

derekimo · 24 Sep 2013

If you don't mind my thoughts on your last post, specifically this part,

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.

It would be better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. :)

bawldiggle · 24 Sep 2013

Thank you derekimo for your response :)

This learning to downgrade is like pulling teeth -- the anticipated is worse than the experience

I do appreciate your help :)

derekimo · 24 Sep 2013

You're welcome. :)

Kind of like pulling a bandage off? Just give it a rip, you'll be done before you know it.

I think you have all the info you need, experience it first hand now.

SandeepP · 25 Sep 2013

GrayGhost2 said:

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 GrayGhost2,

Sure please perform the downgrade at your convenience and let us know if get stuck somewhere. We would be more than happy to assist you for the same.

I understand technology is changing really fast and there is so much to learn everyday. If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us.

theog · 25 Sep 2013

derekimo said:

If you don't mind my thoughts on your last post, specifically this part,

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.

It would be better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. :)

Also if or when you return to Windows 8 & upgrade to 8.1 free, the option to make a CD/DVD has been removed in 8.1.

derekimo · 25 Sep 2013

theog said:

derekimo said:

If you don't mind my thoughts on your last post, specifically this part,

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.

It would be better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. :)

Also if or when you return to Windows 8 & upgrade to 8.1 free, the option to make a CD/DVD has been removed in 8.1.

That is a good reason in itself.

bawldiggle · 25 Sep 2013

theog +1 :)

theog said:

Also if or when you return to Windows 8 & upgrade to 8.1 free, the option to make a CD/DVD has been removed in 8.1.

Thank you. ... I read your "Note" in Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7 tutorial.
Some of this stuff is starting to sink in !
Thank you for your support
-----

derekimo +! :)
Thank you for your support too.

derekimo · 25 Sep 2013

You're welcome. :)

Looking forward to your success story.

bawldiggle · 26 Sep 2013

Hi SandeepP :)
I would appreciate your help

As per your recommendations in one of your posts :- Dell:- How to Downgrade from Windows 8 Pro to Windows 7 Professional Dell Article 590895

"Step 3. Download Critical Drivers and Copy to a USB Key"
Prior to installing Windows 7 Professional, visit the Dell Drivers and Downloads website to download critical driver packages that will let you get online and return to the Dell website to install the rest of your hardware drivers. The following Windows 7 drivers are considered critical and must be downloaded:

• Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver
• Wireless or Local Area Network (LAN) driver

With filters set to "MS Windows 7 64-bit" ...
... found ...

Downgrade Dell Win8 pro to Win7 Pro with Dell DVD-intel-rapid-storage-technology.png

... but cannot locate "Wireless or Local Area Network (LAN) driver"

Downgrade Dell Win8 pro to Win7 Pro with Dell DVD-lan-etc.png

Where might I find the Wireless or Local Area Network (LAN) driver ?
For Windows 7 Pro 64-bit

Thank you :)

gregrocker · 26 Sep 2013

Those are the Network drivers you likely need. Put them both in your backup as you prepare closely following the steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

You can also keep plugged in by wire which is more likely to deliver its driver so you start up after install ready to connect. If not install the wireless driver and connect to your network.

Then immediately enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) and run all rounds of IMportant and Optional Windows Updates with reboots, to completion. After each reboot go back to Check for Updates. When there are no more, post back any devices in Device Manager still missing their driver.
Do not import any other drivers than those missing after all Updates are done.

You should be following the forums' tutorial for getting a perfect reinstall, not Dell's. We are the top resource on the web for this specialty, not Dell or anyone else.

Be sure to also read and understand the Special Note for Dell Owners at the end of tutorial.