32 bit laptop w/ 7 Home Premium 64 bit Installed on 500GB HDD -read on

[AllTheGoodRats]

Is there a way to easily downgrade to Windows 7 32 bit without having the 32-bit disc? Maybe a program to do all the bitchwork while I basically sit back? I'm so confused and I'm hoping someone would be so kind as to help me. Thank you so much.

:huh:

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

You can only 'downgrade' to the 32-bit version if you clean install from a Windows 7 32-bit DVD.

This explains how when using a retail version: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

This explains how with an OEM version: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[whs]

Why do you want to go to 32bit in the first place. It is hard for me to see a good reason for that. All 32bit programs run on a 64bit system.

 

[AllTheGoodRats]

No no - the Inspiron 1525 is a 32-bit processor and Windows 7 Home Premium on the HDD is a 64-bit with all 64-bit programs etc... and everything is running slow as shit. Basically I took the HDD from an Inspiron 1545 and put into the carriage of the 32-bit Inspiron 1525. I do not have the Windows 7 64-bit or Vista 32-bit CD(s) to even reinstall CD(s)

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Back up your data.

Download a 32-bit ISO of the Windows version for which you have a valid Product Key--presumably the Product Key on the Inspiron 1525.

Burn that to a disk and reinstall from scratch. Activate with your Product Key.

 

[whs]

The 1525 came with many different CPUs and most were 64bit capable. Yours must be a Celeron. I assume that was a Vista system and the COA product key is for Vista.

Moving a HDD from another system is not the way to do it. You have a few options:

1. Buy a Windows7 32bit - e.g. an OEM version for appr. $100
2. Use the free Windows 8 Consumer preview which will run until Jan. 2013
3. Find a Vista installation disc that corresponds to the key on the COA sticker
4. Use any free Linux distro. The new Ubuntu Unity is very nice.

 

[whs]

Back up your data.

Download a 32-bit ISO of the Windows version for which you have a valid Product Key--presumably the Product Key on the Inspiron 1525.

Burn that to a disk and reinstall from scratch. Activate with your Product Key.

Ignatz, this is most likely a Vista COA key. And there is no Vista download like for Win7 from Digital River. He has to see whether a friend has one. Or maybe he still has the recovery partition on the original HDD.