Hi swankymoppet,

Please refer to the link mentioned below for information on Downgrade Rights:

http://dell.to/Rx6O60

Thanks & Regards
Manshu S
#iworkfordell

Only if you purchased the computer with Windows 8 Pro.  Windows 8 [non-Pro] does not qualify for downgrade rights.  If you don't have Pro, then you would need to purchase a Windows 7 license to run it on your 8500.

I would suggest a little time adjusting to the changes, attempting to understand Microsoft's thinking with this new OS.  If you still can't get used to it, there are programs you can install to help it look/feel more like Windows 7 (like Start8).  What is it exactly you don't like?

If I upgrade to Windows 8 Pro, would I then gain downgrade rights?

My problem is this: I am running 3ds Max 2012 and I need to use V-Ray as a render engine. For some reason, Max is not recognizing that I have installed V-Ray, and keeps coming up with "Missing DLL" warnings and says my render engine is missing. I never had this problem with Windows 7 Professional. This is the only variable I can think of, and no one knows what is wrong. I really need these programs to work together or I can't work. I may need to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro, though, that might be the problem too. I'm not sure.

No, upgrades are not eligible.  It is an offering for OEM-installed software only (primarily for companies to run an older 'business' version of Windows for compatibility with business software ... it is not limited strictly to businesses, but that is its primary purpose - just so you know its origin and perspective).

You might investigate any Windows 8-specific fixes (compatibility, newer version, workarounds) with the V-Ray/3ds Max people (their forums would be a good place to start - support and other users who have possibly had/worked through the same issues).

Upgrading to Pro likely will do nothing for you:  1) there should be nothing in Pro that would run the software better, and 2) upgrading to Pro will not give you downgrade rights.  The $40 for the upgrade would be better spent towards a Windows 7 license (if indeed you need to go back to Windows 7).  I would try the 3ds/V-Ray forums first though.