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12801
May 20th, 2014 21:00
Downgrade from Windows 8 question
I have no clue where to start and this whole website is confusing so I'll just post my problem and hope someone answers. I bought a brand new Dell 14" Inspiron Ultrabook last year and am just opening it up to use it. Originally, it came with Windows 7 Home Premium. I thought that was the original software because that's what I requested and was told came with it. That's what was on it when I got it. Anyway, I found out the original software installed was Windows 8. So when I had to restore it to scratch, I contacted Dell for the original installation software. Now I have a fresh install of Windows 8 and hate it, don't want it, and my main programs don't work with it. So I need to go back to Windows 7 Home Premium. What version of Windows 7 Home Premium do I need to buy in order to get the correct installation CD? I do NOT want a download. I want an actual CD with the software on it. I have 64 bit system, and all that's on it now is a clean installation of Windows 8. What is the actual software number of the version I need to get? I have GFC-00019 but want to confirm this is correct before I buy it. I am familiar enough with computers and believe I can do an install to downgrade this <ADMIN NOTE: Profanity removed as per TOU>Windows 8 and get it out of my face, but don't want to buy the incorrect version. Thank you for any help.
Balaji M Kundal
235 Posts
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May 20th, 2014 23:00
The following links will be helpful:
http://www.microsoft.com/OEM/en/licensing/sblicensing/Pages/what_to_do_downgrade_rights.aspx#fbid=YCUEk9IjpZa
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/downgrade_rights.aspx#fbid=YCUEk9IjpZa
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-windows_install/downgrade-from-windows-8-pro-to-windows-7-pro-for/d361eb81-a5a0-448c-a438-48cbd825c796
birdbaby1
2 Posts
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May 20th, 2014 23:00
Thank you Bajjibala. I will go read up on your links.
Philip_Yip
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May 21st, 2014 13:00
Does your system have a sticker like any of the following affixed to it?
Windows 8/8.1 or Windows 8/8.1 Professional.
Windows 7 COA
If you have a Windows 8.1 Professional sticker then you are licensed to downgrade rights, if you have a Windows 8 sticker without Pro you are not entitled to downgrade rights and will need to buy a new license. If you are entitled to downgrade rights you should call Dell Technical Support and request the Windows 7 Reinstallation DVD.
Unfortunately Windows 7 has reached End of Retail sales. Should you have to buy a new license you are more or less restricted to buying an OEM system builders license. However due to the popularity of Windows 7 and dislike of Windows 8 these are readily available. As you are in the US, Newegg is a good source:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416806
The OEM system builders licensed is cheaper than retail upgrade/full licenses but gets tied to the original computer and cannot be transferred once activated.