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Question

How do I intall windows on my laptop that has no CD/DVD driv

by Apr 13, 2016 6:19AM PDT

I have a new Dell 2 in 1 and a new SSD I want to install along with a Windows 7 Pro. I have the Windows 7 Pro disc. I would like to find the easiest cheapest way to get my laptop going. Will I need to purchase a DVD/ROM? Is it possible to transfer the Windows install to a USB and go that way?
Thank you

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Answer
Re: install Windows 7
by Forum moderator Apr 13, 2016 6:31AM PDT

- First download all necessary drivers for Windows 7 from www.dell.com. If you can't get them, don't install Windows 7.
- What Windows 7 disc exactly? OEM or retail? Did it come with another computer or did you buy it yourself?

An external optical drive is the easiest way to do this. No need to buy it if you can use one from a friend or rent one from a shop for a few days.
However, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool tells about downloading Windows 7 and put it on a USB-stick. They say it works also if you use the iso-file you can make from your DVD.

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Answer
Slow down. In fact, stop right there.
by Forum moderator Apr 13, 2016 7:54AM PDT

I'm running into folk that get a new Windows 10 machine and dive in to install Windows 7 without research.

They format the drive, begin the install and then discover there are no Windows 7 drivers. Did you check that out first?

If it's just the user interface that bugs you, go get Classic Shell or Classic Start. In one small install you can have it look like 7.

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Slowing down
by keigeman1 Apr 13, 2016 12:03PM PDT

What happened was I purchased a new Dell 2 in 1 that runs Windows 10 in which I'm ok with. I also purchased a SSD that I want to swap out with the HHD the 2 in 1 came with. Can you help me out and tell me what is needed to do the swap? If you need any more information, let me know.
Thank you

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Nothing new to add here.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 13, 2016 12:52PM PDT

Install the drive, boot from Windows install media and after all that install drivers and apps needed to get it all working.

Frankly you could just create your Windows 10 reinstall memory stick and save yourself a few days of work.

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