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XPS 8500 Windows 8 Pro Downgrade to Windows 7 Pro - Installation media
I recently bought an XPS 8500, and paid an extra £60 for Windows 8 Pro on the understanding that this is the only version of Windows 8 that I could downgrade from to Windows 7. I would like to request the Windows 7 Pro installation media so that I can exercise my downgrade rights.
I checked on the Microsoft website about downgrade rights, and apparently you have to have Windows 8 Pro to downgrade. Also, the only way of doing so is through the company you bought your computer from, in this case Dell.
Before I bought this computer, I had a chat with someone in customer support on the website. They said 'If you buy the pro version you can downgrade, for £10'.
How might I request this, and is it even available?
Philip_Yip
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December 11th, 2012 13:00
Please see my poll here.
I have sent an email to my Dell contacts and hopefully someone should get back to you to enable you to get a Reinstallation DVD. To downgrade to Windows 7 you will likely to make the following 2 alterations in the BIOS setup:
• Disable Secure Boot.
• Disable Secure Boot and UEFI
Note some Reinstallation USBs are currently being sent out (which unfortunately have McAfee loaded on them). If you have the option between the USB and the DVD select the DVD. You should ensure that you use a USB 2.0 port with them alongside keyboard and mouse. Alternatively carry out another change in the BIOS setup:
• Disable USB 3.0 functionality to install Windows 7 from a USB Flash Drive.
Once you get the media follow my wiki A Clean Install of Windows 7.
theflash1932
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December 11th, 2012 14:00
Let's see what the forum mods come back with, but don't hold your breath ... Dell has NO responsibility or obligation to supply the media for downgrade rights. This is the responsibility of the user alone. It would be cool if they did, but I wouldn't count on it.
ReuBot
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December 12th, 2012 02:00
If I can manage to get some installation media from my Dad's workplace for Windows 7 Pro, will that work? I heard that you don't actually need a key to install, but can request a Win 7 key through microsoft with your win 8 key?
Philip_Yip
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December 12th, 2012 07:00
Only if its a Dell Reinstallation DVD as it will install via the Dell BIOS and use a Dell SLP key.
ReuBot
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December 12th, 2012 07:00
Ah right. Thanks