DOWN GRADE TO WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE (64bit(

Question

Sir,

I want to Downgrade my Dell Inspiron 15R-5520 Laptop which is pre-installed with Windows 8 (64bit) by Dell to Windows 7 Ultimate (64bit). I own (b purchase) this Windows 7 Ultimate (64bit) with Product key. However activation is required by Microsoft which is not a problem to me. What exactly I want is:

a) Am I to wipe the Hard Disk completely with some third party software and then re-install Windows 7 Ultimate?

b) If the above is YES, will my laptop accept the Windows 7 Ultimate Product key without any problem?

c) Will I have the facility of Dell licensed support for Drivers etc for my present laptop?

d) In any case since I hate windows 8 bitterly, I am even prepared to go for a new Hard Disk similar to the existing brand, size and model and install afresh Windows 7 Ultimate (64 bit).

Only Question remain is HOW TO DO legally without loosing my privileges and at the same time without infringing the rights of Dell and Microsoft which may create problems for repairs/drivers/updates/servicing etc. .

Soma Sundaram M.S.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Firstly request a Dell Reinstallation DVD so you can restore Windows 8 later should you need Dell support:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/request-a-reinstallation-dvd-from-dell/

You may also make the recovery USB using Dell Backup and Recovery.

If you want to wipe your system securely, you can use DBAN:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/securely-wipe-your-hard-drive-with-dariks-boot-and-nuke-dban/

Regarding product activation; a retail upgrade license does not like to be installed on a blank hard drive but its possible to do by skipping the product key during installation and activating using the command prompt.

You have not stated whether your license is retail (full), retail (upgrade) or system builders.

Dell have all the system drivers listed for the Inspiron 5520:

http://ftp.dell.com/published/Pages/inspiron-15r-5520.html

See A Clean Install of Windows for more details:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/

If going for a new drive look at Crucial:

http://uk.crucial.com/gbr/en/compatible-ssd-for/Dell/inspiron-15r-%285520%29

The SSD will improve your system performance significantly but is more pricy per GB.

ringel05 · Answer

I'm considering the same as Win 8 will go down in history as one of Microsucks biggest bombs.

Dell supports MS Windows 8 on the vast majority of their systems which means they do not (typically) support Win 7 drivers and those of us who want to revert to 7 are basically on our own.

Yeah, that's putting the customer first........ right.......

Yes Dell will help you locate the drivers but you'll have to locate your device IDs first so you can get the proper drivers, here's Dell support on this subject. Too bad Dell won't compile a package of Win 7 drivers for customers who are unhappy with Dells choice of operating system. Even better would be offering their customers a choice of operating systems...... ya know, like customer responsive businesses would do.......

I can't insert a link (first post), copy and paste in your search box:

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/19527474.aspx

Windows General

DOWN GRADE TO WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE (64bit(

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