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    Inspiron 15 (7548) – Windows 7 Downgrade

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by forennr, May 10, 2015.

  1. forennr

    forennr Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello Dell experts,

    I recently got this laptop and really tried hard to make do with Windows 8.1 but gave up. I installed classic shell but that doesn't seem to take me back to Windows 7 which I dearly love.

    So I wanted to downgrade to Windows 7 and went looking for drivers at the support page but I was prompted that the drivers are available only for Windows 8.1:

    http://www.dell.com/support/home/us...oduct/inspiron-15-7548-laptop/diagnose?rvps=y

    I was wondering if I can use the same Windows 8.1 driver files for Windows 7 OS. Would be great if someone could throw some light on this.

    Many thanks for your time in advance.

    Here's the configuration for your ready reference:

    5th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-5200U processor
    Features a 3MB cache and up to 2.7GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost.

    Intel® Core™ i5 processor
    Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost.

    Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
    Delivers extra performance when you need it and increased energy efficiency when you don't. Intel® HD graphics provide extra graphics power for your laptop when you need it.

    6GB DDR3L memory
    For multitasking power, expandable to 16GB.

    Note: Optical drive not included
    Compatible with optional external CD/DVD drives (not included).

    15.6" LED-backlit high-definition touch-screen display
    With TrueLife technology and 1920 x 1080 resolution for clear images.

    Intel® Wireless Display-capable
    Wirelessly stream entertainment from your laptop to your HDTV* — photos, music, Web videos, Internet TV — whether on the hard drive or online.

    1TB hard drive (5400 rpm)
    Gives you space to store important files.

    Intel® HD Graphics 5500
    For crisp visuals. An HDMI output provides flexible connectivity.

    Built-in high-definition webcam
    Makes it simple to keep in touch by video chatting in 720p resolution.

    Multiformat media reader
    Supports SD and MMC formats.

    2 USB 3.0 ports (1 with PowerShare) and 1 USB 2.0 port
    Enable easy data transfer.

    Built-in dual-band Intel® 3160ac wireless LAN (802.11ac)
    Offers fast, efficient wireless Web connection.

    Bluetooth 4.0 interface
    Pairs easily with other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

    Weighs 4.65 lbs. and measures just 0.78" thin
    For easy portability.

    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit operating system preinstalled
    Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
     
  2. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    Get the drivers directly from the manufacturer's website, Intel's, etc. and you'll find Windows 7 versions.

    You'll also likely need a Windows 7 license since I highly doubt that the Inspiron line comes with downgrade rights like the Latitude and Precision lines.
     
    forennr likes this.
  3. o8x8

    o8x8 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Win7 runs fine on 7548 with 4k. Windows update pulls Intel Graphics, and AMD 14.12 works with switching. Didn't see driver for touch pad though.
     
    forennr likes this.