Get back to Windows 7 without the Windows.old folder.

[LovelyFlipper]

Hi,

I bought a used computer that has been upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7.

I want to go back to Windows 7.
It has been more than a month since the upgrade, and the computer no longer has the Windows.old folder.

It's a Dell XPS 8300, and has a Microsoft License number sticker on the case.

How can I get it back to Windows 7?

 

[samuria]

If the down grade isn't available you will have to do s clean install from a DVD

 

[LovelyFlipper]

Samuria,

Thanks for the response.

I have a Windows Repair, Reinstall, Recovery disk.
If I boot up with that and do a new reinstall, will I be able to use the product key that is on the computer?

 

[samuria]

The dell will be a oem license so the one your installing must match that type

 

[Taplice]

some options open for you to do the downgrade, How to downgrade Windows 10 after a month - How-To - PC Advisor

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
If you need clean install media you can use this for it easily
https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-iso-download-tool

It's a lot easier to clean install these days with the unofficial sp2
There are essentially 3 updates needed for a clean install of windows that will get you updated through April of 2016

KB3020369 & KB3172605 & KB3125574 all can be downloaded from the M$ catalog using internet explorer
Microsoft Update Catalog

https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com...17/simplifying-updates-for-windows-7-and-8-1/
When manually installing updates you need to switch your update settings to Never check for updates and restart the machine first.

After restart you will need to ensure the built in windows update service is stopped and set to manual first too or it will conflict with the stand alone installer.

Afterwards reset the windows updates service to what it was before and update settings to your preference and check for updates
Should be only 50 or so updates left to install.

I have all three updates also on my OneDrive if you don't want to or can't deal with the catalog,
https://1drv.ms/f/s!AsjD7o6P3KLKj2TjShn8-SumV1rr

Be sure to back up your personal files this time though a clean install and they will be gone.

 

[LovelyFlipper]

Thank you all for your help.

I reinstalled Windows 7 from a disk and verified it with the Microsoft phone number that it presented.
I was a little worried about having to call Microsoft and be on the phone for hours.
But a robot guy answered immediately.
I read him my product key and he read me a series of numbers to add to that.
And BAM, it was verified!
Much easier than I expected.
I did have to update all my drivers and download and install 240 Windows updates, but it was worth it.
I would think that many people that are disenchanted with Windows 10, would go back to Windows 7 if they knew how easy it was.

I really appreciate this forum.
I'm a Windows 7 user for life now.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Just don't forget those number robot guy gave you
Most don't have installation media
it was no coincidence MS closed down digital river half way through win-10 testing it was premeditated so installation media would be harder to find for oem people
Cheers.

 

[LovelyFlipper]

ThrashZone,

I took a picture of them with my phone and will keep them the rest of my life