Downgrading from windows 8 (Non Pro) to Windows 7 Pro

Question

I have a new Dell Inspiron 3531 which has windows 8 (Non Pro) pre installed. How can I downgrade this to Windows 7 Pro. Am I able to purchase windows 8 pro and then downgrade or do I have to buy the windows 7 pro with activation key and completely format the laptop.

Philip_Yip · Answer

You need to purchase Windows 7 directly, downgrade rights are unlikely to work for a system Dell have not sold with Windows 8.1 Professional directly.

hawk84 · Answer

Hi Thanks for the reply. I spoke to Dell direct today, and explained what I wanted to do, they have told me that I can't downgrade to windows 7 even if I buy a windows 7 disc and activation key. They have said that the activation code is embedded in the motherboard and even if I format the laptop it will not allow me to enter the windows 7 activation code as it will revert to the windows 8 embedded code. They said my only option would be to change the motherboard. Is this crazy or what.??

Philip_Yip · Answer

The person you were talking to had no clue what they were talking about. The Windows 8.1 product key embedded in the system BIOS will not affect Windows 7 installation media in any way whatsoever.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Before you proceed with the downgrade make sure you have BIOS A02:

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER02298709M/1/3531A02.exe

We have reports on the forum that the downgrade will not work with A00 or A01 but will work with A02:

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/19591536.aspx?pi239031352=1

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/19592194.aspx?pi239031352=1#20658175

sgtsonline · Answer

Absolutely correct. Must upgrade to A02 BIOS. I just did this procedure after stumbling around for a while :emotion-1:

CoUdErMann · Answer

My dell inspiron 3531 has bios A00 but I can not upgrade to A03 or A02 Insyde flash aplicattion fail !

speedstep · Answer

Non PRO versions of windows DO NOT HAVE downgrade Rights.  Least Expensive version would be Windows 8 Pro Upgrade from Ebay or Amazon Etc.

sparkybuoy · Answer

If you use a DELL Operating System Install CD/Disc you do NOT need a product code - boot to CD - NO PRODUCT CODE NEEDED - has been that way for YEARS - you can use ANY Dell OS disc on ANY Dell without product code - got rid of 8.1 on my 3521 - pulled out my DELL Windows 7 Professional CD and boot to CD Install - Dell support had the 7 applicable drivers

theflash1932 · Answer

If you use a DELL Operating System Install CD/Disc you do NOT need a product code - boot to CD - NO PRODUCT CODE NEEDED - has been that way for YEARS - you can use ANY Dell OS disc on ANY Dell without product code - got rid of 8.1 on my 3521 - pulled out my DELL Windows 7 Professional CD and boot to CD Install - Dell support had the 7 applicable drivers

Legally, he (and you) cannot run an OS he is not properly licensed for. He cannot run Pro of any version without purchasing it if the system came with a Home version. Period, regardless of whether or not it "works" anyway.

sparkybuoy · Answer

Unfortunately you are WRONG when it comes to a DELL - Dell has has a long standing contract with MS to code their discs this way and that's why one is able to ACTIVATE the copy even though a product code wasn't entered which makes the install LEGAL as you so stated - please...in the future...only comment when you absolutely KNOW what you're talking about

theflash1932 · Answer

It is pretty clear you don't know what you are talking about. Your stance is pretty ridiculous ... I'm not sure how you justify running Pro when the system is licensed for Home just because it might work anyway ... like Microsoft has somehow given Dell users rights to a free upgrade of their software. It is not allowed under any Microsoft or Dell terms of use, and if Microsoft catches wind they will pursue you for violation of copyright and intellectual rights LAWS. It may require a pretty strong wind for Microsoft to want to do anything about a single individual, but if you are in a position to manage this kind of stuff for small/medium (or large) business, you will cost them a LOT of money and you your job.

ieee488 · Answer

Unfortunately you are WRONG when it comes to a DELL - Dell has has a long standing contract with MS to code their discs this way and that's why one is able to ACTIVATE the copy even though a product code wasn't entered which makes the install LEGAL as you so stated - please...in the future...only comment when you absolutely KNOW what you're talking about

You are wrong. Dell has to follow Microsoft's rules. That diagram that Speedstep link is Microsoft's official policy.

Just because you can do something without Microsoft's knowledge does not make it legal in their eyes.

That link is from Microsoft's own website.

Philip_Yip · Answer

A Dell Windows 7 Professional Reinstallation will install on a system which came with Windows 8.1 Home and although no product key will be requested during installation it will not activate properly.

I tested one out on my Inspiron 13 7347 because I wanted to test out an install with USB 3.0 ports. If you go to system you should get an error message saying to activate Windows in 9 days. After this time you will get frequent warning telling you Windows is non-genuine. No free lunch I'm afraid.

ieee488 · Answer

WITHOUT Microsoft's KNOWLEDGE? Man...you don't know how to read - read AGAIN what I wrote above - if it still doesn't make sense to you get someone to draw you pictures

We know how to read, and we don't believe you.

End of story.

sparkybuoy · Answer

WITHOUT Microsoft's KNOWLEDGE? Man...you don't know how to read - read AGAIN what I wrote above - if it still doesn't make sense to you get someone to draw you pictures

Windows General

Downgrading from windows 8 (Non Pro) to Windows 7 Pro

Was this post helpful?