Is it possible to run Windows Vista on a Dell Inspiron 15R-5537

[Kharis Kurian]

Hi,

Is it possible to run Windows Vista on a Dell Inspiron 15R -5537 (which came with Windows 8). If it isn't, can you run Windows Vista on a computer that was built for Windows 8 or 10? I am currently dual booting 7 and 10 and want to downgrade Windows 7 to Vista.

 

[Vistaar]

Welcome to Vista Forums Kharis Kurian. It appears that Inspiron 15R 5537 shipped with various Intel processors, but it probably doesn't matter which exact processor you have because they were all "4th generation" with Haswell microarchitecture. Unfortunately, Windows Vista is known not to work properly on Haswell or later: Vista needs Ivy Bridge or earlier Intel microarchitecture. Windows 7 is the oldest OS that could be recommended. True, Microsoft will end extended support for Windows 7 in January 2020, but software support is still excellent. You could probably find old hardware suitable for Vista, but you would only be able to use outdated browsers (Chrome 49, Firefox 52, IE9), and Vista No Longer Supported by Most Security Software.

 

[Kharis Kurian]

I got Vista running on the Dell but it doesn’t detect networks

 

[SIW2]

Welcome to Vista Forums Kharis Kurian. It appears that Inspiron 15R 5537 shipped with various Intel processors, but it probably doesn't matter which exact processor you have because they were all "4th generation" with Haswell microarchitecture. Unfortunately, Windows Vista is known not to work properly on Haswell or later: Vista needs Ivy Bridge or earlier Intel microarchitecture. Windows 7 is the oldest OS that could be recommended. True, Microsoft will end extended support for Windows 7 in January 2020, but software support is still excellent. You could probably find old hardware suitable for Vista, but you would only be able to use outdated browsers (Chrome 49, Firefox 52, IE9), and Vista No Longer Supported by Most Security Software.

Is it the processor or the motherboard that is the issue? I have seen reports where people say they have it running on more recent socket motherboards.

 

[erpster4]

I got Vista running on the Dell but it doesn’t detect networks

are you using a built-in Wifi adapter on that Dell Inspiron 15r 5537 laptop? if so what kind?
it will be tough to find Vista compatible wireless drivers for that model since Dell only has Win10 based Wifi/WLAN drivers

maybe buy a usb wifi adapter that has available vista drivers

 

[Kharis Kurian]

Hi, I upgraded 7 to 10 recently and when I try to boot into Vista, it gives me this error. Do I need to downgrade 10 to 7 so Vista will work again?
View attachment 30789

 

[Vistaar]

Upgrading Vista to 7 makes more sense if you’re using a Haswell processor.

 

[Kharis Kurian]

I recently installed Windows Vista via Easy2Boot. I don't get the BSOD anymore. It still doesn't detect networks.

 

[SIW2]

According to Phillip Yip on this thread, Dell Inspiron 15R 5537 Win 7 x64 Driver the same hardware as for Latitude 3540