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Windows 7 key
I recently had my Dell Inspiron 3542 crash. My issue is that it came with Windows 7. However, the recovery disk that came with the computer is for Windows 8.1. I researched a bit and found that I could create a recovery disk through Dell by using my service tag. I did this on a USB on my other computer and reinstalled Windows 7. Now I am getting the pop up saying my OS is not genuine. I have no key for this and the sticker on the computer is also Windows 8.1. Please help.
Philip_Yip
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May 13th, 2016 19:00
If the sticker is for Windows 8 then it should not have Windows 7 preinstalled... It makes sense that you get a non-genuine install.
The only scenario possible is Windows 8.1 Pro with downgrade rights to Windows 7 Pro. The Pro edition is rarely preinstalled on an Inspiron which is a home model.
Actegra
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May 15th, 2016 17:00
When looking through the system configuration via the service tag, it shows:
Philip_Yip
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May 17th, 2016 11:00
Windows Blue = Windows 8.1
P = Pro
Looks like your system shipped with Windows 8.1 Pro with Downgrade rights to Windows 7 Pro.
I advise clean installing Windows 10 Pro directly. Windows 10 TH2 installation media will automatically pick up the Windows 8.1 Pro from the UEFI BIOS and activate when online.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1RkaknDn7v-w5LEVIDvTCvmKZ_1_NcZz
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/
Actegra
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May 17th, 2016 12:00
I have the recovery disk for Windows 8.1. What I would like to do is get Windows 7 back up and running on this laptop. Is that possible?