Downgrade pre installed Windows 8 pro (pre-injected key) to Window 7 professional
Hallo,
we just bought a few Dell Vostro with preinstalled Windows 8 pro and the keys are pre-injected within the BIOS of the computer. There is no Windows 8 key on a sticker outside of the computer.
What is the right way to downgrade this Windows 8 pro to Windows 7 Professional ?
Thank you.
Wolfgang
Thank you for your answer.
I followed you link and came out on this page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2832566/en
>For a PC that has Windows 8 preinstalled by an OEM
>Obtain genuine Windows 7 Professional or Windows Vista Business installation media and the >corresponding >product key. You may have to buy a full-package product copy of the Windows downgrade >from a retailer.
OK - I have a Windows 7 Professional installation medium with key.
>Insert the media for the downgrade version of Windows into the PC, and then follow the installation >instructions.
I did it with success.
>Type the product key when you are asked to do this. If the software was previously activated, you can't >activate it online. In this case, the local Activation Support telephone number will be displayed. Call the >number, and explain the circumstances.
When it is determined that you have an eligible Windows license, >the customer service representative will provide a single-use activation code to activate the software. >Please be aware that Microsoft does not provide a full product key in this scenario.
I typed in the product key. The software *was* previously activated (still using it) - but I could activate it.
There was no need to call the support by phone and explain anything.
Abstract:
It *is* possible and legal to downgrade a Windows 8 pro OEM license with pre injected key in BIOS to Windows 7 Professional by using a different Windows 7 Professional key by using the windows 7 key a second time.
Can you please confirm this ? Thank you.
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Solved!
Go to Solution.A laptop drive that size is almost certainly an AF drive. You can check by looking up the model's specs on the vendor's site. You can also use the fsutil command to check the drive's physical sector size and verify that the size isn't getting reported correctly - which is what usually causes the update problem.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/982018
Expand the "Issue 6 Fsutil.exe tool" entry in that link for more info. The entire KB may also be helpful.
If my guess is actually the problem you won't have to reinstall Windows 7. Just update - or roll back - the driver. You might first try going to Device Manager, selecting the storage controller, and rolling back to an earlier driver.
If that works, configure ThinkVantage System Update to not show the offending driver, or this will happen again. If that doesn't do the job, go to Intel's site and find the latest Matrix Storage Manager or Rapid Storage Technology that is specified for your chipset and operating system. Or just try the latest and if that doesn't work, try earlier ones.
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Software+Products&ProductL...
Here's a local KB addressing this (presumed) issue: http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Windows-7-Knowledge-Base/Windows-Update-Fails-After-Installing-New-Hard-...
To repeat, this is a bit of a guess. It's pretty likely that your storage driver is the culprit. Either you need one new enough to support the physical size reporting ioctl, or you've been bitten by TVSU "updating" to a buggy driver. Either way the corrrect driver should fix things.
Z.
The large print: please read the Community Participation Rules before posting. Include as much information as possible: model, machine type, operating system, and a descriptive subject line. Do not include personal information: serial number, telephone number, email address, etc. The fine print: I do not work for, nor do I speak for Lenovo. Unsolicited private messages will be ignored. ... GeezBlog
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