Windows 7 recovery image download available with USB 3.1 and NVMe driver support

This article describes the process of creating an OS USB Recovery key if you require a recovery image and have downgrade rights to Windows 7 professional. This applies to systems with an Intel 6th generation processor, known as a Skylake chipset. 

Computers with Skylake chipsets require special driver support when running a Windows 7 recovery image

Intel’s 6th generation processor, known as the Skylake chipset, was developed specifically to run with Windows 10. If, however, you purchased a Skylake system with Windows 7 and require a recovery image (and are not yet ready to move to Windows 10), this specially adapted image is now available. 

NOTE: To determine which processor your system uses in Windows 7, go to the Start Menu > Control Panel > System to see your Processor listed, along with system details, or refer to the model list below.

See the following list for system models compatible with this Windows 7 Skylake image: 

NOTE: The Skylake image applies only to systems with a Skylake processor. Verify the system in question contains a Skylake processor before applying a Skylake image. Some system models may have been sold with either a Skylake or earlier Haswell processors. Skylake images do not support legacy processors.

This Windows 7 image includes USB 3.1 and Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) driver support required for Skylake systems, whether you upgraded your operating system to Windows 10 and would like to downgrade again or you require a Windows 7 recovery image to restore your system. 

NOTE: If your system was not packaged with Windows 7 or a downgrade license, then you cannot download this image per licensing agreements with Microsoft. The Windows 7 recovery image for Skylake systems is only available on systems purchased with a factory-installed Windows 8.1 or 10 to Windows 7 Professional operating system downgrade license.

Once you have determined that you have a Skylake system and that you have the appropriate rights, make sure a Dell recovery image is absolutely necessary. Performing an image recovery will erase all data that is not backed up.

• If you need to retain your data, please you use our Dell Recovery and Restore USB key (https://www.dell.com/support/home/drivers/KeyInCloud) to repair or restore your computer.
• For more information on the system restore options available to you, please see How to Restore or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell Computer

Once you determine the Dell IWindows 7 recovery image is right for you, we recommend that you migrate your systems to GUID Partition Table (GPT)/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) BIOS during the reimaging process. GPT partitioning is a standard for the layout of the partition table on a physical hard disk, using globally unique identifiers (GUID). Upgrading to this partition will allow you to obtain the best possible support for new hardware while also resolving errors you may encounter while reimaging your system. For more information on GPT partitioning and step-by-step instructions on upgrading, please see How to resolve the "Windows cannot be installed to disk # partition #" error when installing Windows.

 

How do I reimage my Skylake system with Windows 7?

NOTE: OS Recovery images are no longer downloadable as an ISO file. Dell provides an OS Recovery tool to manage the creation of a recovery USB key with licensed OS version that shipped with your system based on the Service Tag.

See Dell knowledgebase article SLN299044 - How to Download and Use the Dell OS Recovery Image in Microsoft Windows for instructions on using the Dell OS Recovery Tool to create a bootable USB drive with the appropriate OS.

For more information on setting up your new system image see  "How to Set Up Your New Dell Windows 7 Computer."