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    Windows 8 to Windows 7

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by Sefirothe, Dec 12, 2014.

  1. Sefirothe

    Sefirothe Notebook Consultant

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    So, finally recieved my Alienware 18.

    Dell really really really screwed the pooch on my order, but that's a rant for another time.

    I'm planning on putting my SSD from my m17x into the 18. Is there anything stopping me from using the Windows 7 disk from the m17x to reinstall windows on the 18? Or will the serial in the Bios only allow for 8?
     
    Sefirothe, Dec 12, 2014
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  2. Spartan@HIDevolution

    Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative

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    The serial in the BIOS is for Windows 8 obviously. you will need either:

    a) Your own Windows 7 Key

    or

    b) A Windows 7 (Alienware Edition) which comes preactivated if installed on any Alienware PC and also has all the Alienware customizations like OEM logos, logon screen, etc.
     
    Spartan@HIDevolution, Dec 12, 2014
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  3. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    You can use your Alienware Windows 7 disk to install Windows 7 on any Alienware you want to. No problem... I've done it a whole bunch of times. I used mine from the M17xR2 to install Windows 7 on the 18. The 18 came with Windows 8 and Windows 7 activated without an issue.
     
    Mr. Fox, Dec 12, 2014
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    reborn2003 and Ferris23 like this.
  4. Spartan@HIDevolution

    Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative

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    Indeed, the Windows 7 (Alienware Edition) disc has the SLIC certificate that matches with any Alienware motherboard based computer, and thus it is activated the moment you see the Windows desktop on the fly, without the need for an internet connection. Permanent activation (OEM)
     
    Spartan@HIDevolution, Dec 12, 2014
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  5. Sefirothe

    Sefirothe Notebook Consultant

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    Sweet! Now I just need to stop playing with the 18 and get around to dismantling both enough to do the hdd swap.

    Thanks guys!
     
    Sefirothe, Dec 13, 2014
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  6. Sefirothe

    Sefirothe Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks! And thanks for reminding me I need to update my signature and post the m17x up for sale.

    The 18 is pretty standard. Core i7-4810MQ, 16 GB ram, 1TB hdd (but I swapped in a 256 GB SSD from Kingston), dual ATI M290x.
     
    Sefirothe, Dec 19, 2014
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  7. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

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    Careful, this may not work in the future BIOS updates or future Alienware laptops. Laptop venders are moving away from SLIC 2.1 (Windows 7 activation) and towards SLIC 3.0 (removal of windows 7 certification markers in the BIOS, Windows 8 key only). I've already has this happen in 2 Lenovos and 1 Toshiba laptop.
     
    Raidriar, Dec 21, 2014
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    reborn2003 likes this.