How to downgrade from Win 8.1 to Win7?

[JEDI]

bought a Dell e5250 laptop last year.
it came with win8.1.

I bought a 120gig ssd to replace the 500gig hd.
I want to install win7 from scratch.

can I just download Win7 from Microsoft for free and install it, hoping it'll see the serial # in the bios?

if not, is there a legal way to install win7 for free from scratch on the ssd (without installing win8.1 first)?

thx

 

[VirtualLarry]

No, you're basically screwed.

You can use Activation Backup and Restore,on your current Win7 install, to attempt to back up your installation. Then re-install, and restore.

Wait, are you saying your laptop came with a Windows 8.1 (Pro) license, but came with Win7 64-bit (Pro) pre-installed (In which case, you can try ABER if the laptop didn't come with a key sticker for Win7, or did your laptop come with Win8.1, license and install?

In which case, I don't believe that you can install Windows 7 legally, without purchasing a license.

Remember, only the "Pro" (and OEM, not retail!) versions come with Downgrade Rights, and even then, they don't provide a free key for Windows 7, you still have to source one yourself.

 

[JackMDS]

Win 7 nah.

Try upgrading to Win 10.

 

[Red Squirrel]

It seems clone computers that come with 8/10 are purposely designed to not work in 7. I wonder if this is some kind of deal with MS or something. I've had bad luck installing win7 on such machines. Particularly finding the drivers, but even once found and installed, it seems the machine will be unstable. I don't recall this issue vefore, ex: downgrading from XP to 2000 or 98. I recall doing that a lot back in the day because XP came preloaded on machines that could barely handle it. XP was bloated as hell for it's time when it first came out. I've also downgraded Vista to XP many times. Ugh, Vista was horrible. Still leaves a poor taste in my mouth thinking about it, it was worse than ME. ME, we also don't talk about.

But yeah long story short, you're probably stuck with 8 or 10. If I had to pick between the two, I'd probably go with 10. Make sure to install Classic Shell, so the start menu is semi usable, and it gets rid of the advertisements in it.

It's worth a shot but be sure to do an Acronis image of the PC before you attempt that way if you see you can't find drivers etc at least you can roll back.