downgrade from windows 8.1 pro back to windows 7

I would like to dual boot windows 7 and 8 or factory reset my laptop to original (windows 7), settings. it came with windows 7 and I upgraded it to 8 then 8.1. I don't have the original disks. I bought it second hand and the warranty has expired. I do have the original windows 8 with the key but I want windows 7 back. 

attempting to dual boot is failing because dell auto detect will not let me download windows 7 drivers needed to operate all my components again. 

I had to re-install alien respawn and found the original dated back up but it is grayed out. did the windows 8 upgrade delete the recovery partition?

can i create a new partition for dual boot that is compatible with windows 8 or can I get a rescue disk to restore it back to factory settings and can I get the drivers needed without dell system auto detect?

I am trying to do this without spending money or spending hours on the phone with support.