64bit to 32bit downgrade

[Bootman 650]

So just bought 4 new Dell Optiplex machines for one of our new business customers

The machines were shipped as Windows 7 Pro 64bit downgraded from Windows 8 pro - I believe.

Here's the thing:

The company use bespoke written software that will only work on a 32bit O.S. Previously I set one of their old computers up on a 64 bit system using Windows XP Mode and Virtual Machine but certain aspects of the software failed to integrate and it caused all sorts of headaches. I want to downgrade the said machines to Windows 7 Pro 32bit.

Has anyone had to do this before? Can I just use ProduKey to get the code and Install the 32bit software using the same code? Or do I need to speak to Dell to see what they advise.

I did think about this before they were ordered but the PC's they wanted (as are most now) were only available in 64bit. They understand the labour involved to wipe them all and install the OS again but I'm hoping I don't have to tell them it will cost a further ££££ to get them some new licences in order to downgrade..

 

[Kitten Kong]

As far as I am aware, you can reinstall using the 32bit edition.

 

[Moltuae]

You can usually use the same licence key.

I've never done 64 -> 32 downgrades, but I've done lots of 32 -> 64 upgrades. As long as the Windows edition is the same, activation is always successful. I can't see any reason why doing 64 -> 32 should be any different.

 

[Bootman 650]

I just spoke to a dell support geezer on the phone.. He reckons because it was Windows 8 downgrade and there is a key in the BIOS on the board it won't let you use the same key because of clashes.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Easy peasy with Dells...we've done tons of installs. The "key" doesn't care if you're 32 bit of 64 bit media.
We actually did a "downgrade" to 32 bit for a client that purchased a bunch of new Dell rigs...had x64 on 'em, their Canon ImageRunner and matching ImageWare file cabinet system did not have a 64 bit client....so "downgrade across the board" it was.

Just like any Dell system...easy as pie...pop in the Dell OS CD and away you go, all automated for you as far as the key goes.

 

[dombooth]

Yup, crack on and install x86.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I just spoke to a dell support geezer on the phone.. He reckons because it was Windows 8 downgrade and there is a key in the BIOS on the board it won't let you use the same key because of clashes.

Dell dude doesn't know what the frak he is talking about. The key in the BIOS is for Windows 8 ONLY. Windows 7 is totally ignorant of the Windows 8 key and isn't effected by it. Just install Windows 7 and use any key you can find to activate it. Or if you can find a Dell 32bit Windows 7 disk use that and you will not need a key on a proper Dell system. For downgrades you can legally use any key that will activate. Even keys used before.

 

[glricht]

Dell dude doesn't know what the frak he is talking about. The key in the BIOS is for Windows 8 ONLY. Windows 7 is totally ignorant of the Windows 8 key and isn't effected by it. Just install Windows 7 and use any key you can find to activate it. Or if you can find a Dell 32bit Windows 7 disk use that and you will not need a key on a proper Dell system. For downgrades you can legally use any key that will activate. Even keys used before.

^^^ This. Was getting ready to post the same thing, but you beat me to it!

 

[pcpete]

Just install Windows 7 and use any key you can find to activate it. Or if you can find a Dell 32bit Windows 7 disk use that and you will not need a key on a proper Dell system.

Does that mean oem computers that came with Windows 8 contain a slp 2.1 table? From a technical standpoint will home, pro, or ultimate all activate with the same table?

 

[Markverhyden]

Does that mean oem computers that came with Windows 8 contain a slp 2.1 table? From a technical standpoint will home, pro, or ultimate all activate with the same table?

Can't say about W8 machines but I have installed Dell W7 pro on one of my D630's that came with Vista Basic with no problems. From my experience as long as the OEM of the disk matches the OEM of the machine it will work. Worst case I've had to just do an online activation but not input a key.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Does that mean oem computers that came with Windows 8 contain a slp 2.1 table? From a technical standpoint will home, pro, or ultimate all activate with the same table?

So far on those systems that the OEM offer to downgrade for you have been that way. I sell lots of Lenovo laptops and they all have standard Win 7 images on the disks complete with the ability to make recovery media . Many also would ship with Win 8 media so you could switch.