Solved 'No device drivers found' error Windows 8.1 -> Windows 7 downgrade ins

[anon27]

'No device drivers found' error Windows 8.1 -> Windows 7 downgrade ins

Hello,
There are numerous threads with the same issue online, but none of the solutions have worked for me, so I'm posting my own. I did contact Microsoft and Lenovo, but Lenovo is asking for money that I can't afford for tech support, so I'm hoping someone here can help me out.
Here's the situation:
I have a Lenovo Y510P that came with Windows 8.1. Half a year later, I'm sick of 8.1 and want to downgrade to Windows 7 (I know that simulation softwares like ClassicShell and such exist, but I would really rather just use Windows 7).
I downloaded a legitimate copy of Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit and burned it onto a DVD disk.
I also downloaded all of the Windows 7 device drivers from this Lenovo site: Laptops and netbooks :: IdeaPad Y Series laptops :: IdeaPad Y510p Notebook - Lenovo Support (US)
^I had to specify the model number and OS, so I'm hoping I downloaded the correct drivers (all of the drivers are .exe format, is that what it's supposed to look like?)
I put all of the drivers onto a flash drive.
So, I am now equipped with a DVD with Windows 7 on it as well as a flash drive with all of the drivers on it.
I boot from the disk with the DVD and flash drive attached. Windows 7 installation begins and here I get the error, 'no device drivers found.' When I click 'browse', I see that the flash drive is recognized, but the files on it aren't.
What do you guys think the issue is??
Best,
anon27

 

[gregrocker]

Why would you do all that? Win7 is a driver-complete OS in the installer and via Windows Updates after install. Providing a bunch of drivers is from the XP era.

You only need the wireless driver in your backup so if it isn't provided during reinstall, you can install it to get online, enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3), then run all Important and Optional Windows Updates which should deliver most drivers. I would only import drivers still missing after all rounds of Windows Update are finished.

For a Win8 PC there are special steps that must be taken to disable Secure Boot and enable CSM or Legacy BIOS to Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7. Then when you boot the installer to do the http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html delete all partitions using the Drive Options shown in Steps 7 and 8, create and format new as you wish, install to first partition.

Other tips to get and keep a perfect Win7 install are same as for http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164.