Paul wrote:
wrote:


It's a new DELL laptop.



Also, using my powers of telepathy, I
suspect you're trying to do a "downgrade" of a
Windows 8 laptop, to Windows 7. And that's
why you're looking for drivers.

Each company has different rules.

This thread shows Dell supports Windows 8 *Pro* to Windows 7 Pro.

http://en.community.dell.com/support.../19485276.aspx

http://en.community.dell.com/support.../19478077.aspx

On some other brands, downgrade rights are available on
business class machines, but not on home machines. In
which case, you buy a business class machine. Maybe the
business machine comes with Pro and that's why they do it.

Then, there is the issue of media. A Dell DVD will
install with automatic activation, which is why some
users might prefer such.

http://en.community.dell.com/support....aspx#20305037

"You should be able to phone Dell Technical Support and
request a Windows 7 Professional 64 bit with Service Pack 1
Reinstallation DVD. This DVD can be used for downgrade rights and
will automatically input the Dell SLP key and activate when installed
via the Dell BIOS. Unfortunately there is no online form outside
the US and you will have to phone technical support. How much they
charge seems to be at the discretion of the support agent you are
in contact with. This has lead to various results, including
refusal of media, a £60 charge or getting it for free
"

The DVD might not be perfectly generic, as it would be
handy to have drivers for the new OS. If the DVD is
specifically for that machine, maybe they're included.
Or, maybe a separate CD includes drivers. You'd need to ask
for such details to be sure.

Downgrade rights, mean you get the new OS "for free". But
of course, by having to pay for "Pro" version of OS,
you're effectively paying something for your downgrade.
Pro probably costs more than some other option. There
has to be a catch.

If you bought a Win8 laptop with Home on it say, you
would return it and buy the same laptop with Pro, then
look for the Downgrade details. Something like that.
As convoluted as they can possibly make it.

HTH,
Paul