Windows 10: Rebuilding machine. How do I verify and re-install my Windows 10?

I did my last built this machine in 2012. Over the years I made occasional upgrades--SSD, memory, and eventually WIN 10 from Win 7. However, the machine is showing its age and I think a new build is close at hand. I intend to use the same case/power SSD etc., while replacing the Mobo, processor, and memory. In this age without installation DVDs and serial numbers, what is the procedure to reload my LEGAL copy Windows 10 on the revised machine?

:)

 

Return to Windows 8 from Windows 10

Hi,

I upgraded to Windows 10 on my Windows 8.1 device. After I upgraded I came across an issue with a driver (or similar) which meant that my machine was unable to boot into Windows.

The only options were for me to rebuild the machine and wipe or rebuild and keep all my files. There was no options to do anything else... none of the other options worked.

I did rebuild and keep files... The machine rebuilt, all my files are retained and I am able to use it again.

HOWEVER - I HAVE A PROBLEM!

I am now unable to return to Windows 8.1... I think the rebuild has removed the option to return to Windows 8.1 because it is a rebuild off of the Windows 10 installation files, not Windows 8.1. I can still see the Windows.old files and
folder, I also know that the required installation information is all still present as the Disk Clean Up (system files) still shows them.

I need to reinstate the Windows 8.1 roll back button on my machine but there is nothing to explain how. Nor can I find a KB to show me how I might do this using a command prompt or similar.

My device does partially work in Windows 10, but not fully. This is so incredibly frustrating as I have lost a lot of the free subscriptions that were included in the laptop as well (such as office personal and mcafee) because the rebuild uninstalled them
all.

PLEASE can someone tell me how to get back to the Windows 8.1 on my machine

And before you ask NO I do not have a back up and / or image of the machine as I was asked to upgrade when I turned the new machine on - it went straight to Windows 10...

This is a brand new laptop!

 

When I install version 10, does anyone know if I will have to re-install my drivers, applications and data all over again i.e.

<Original title: Windows 10 Free Upgrade>

Hello All

I have just spent a painstaking week or so rebuilding my machine. When I install version 10, does anyone know if I will have to re-install my drivers, applications and data all over again i.e. is this effectively the same as building the machine from scratch?
Really reluctant to do this because I am in the middle of some important e-learning and don't have time/inclination to rebuild a second time.

Hope you guys can help.

Thanks

Glenn

 

In theory as its new hardware you should buy a new copy of Windows but ten seems more forgiving if you install and login with you Ms account there is a good chance it will activate all details are now on Ms servers so you don't need serial you can just skip that bit

 

There should be no requirement to purchase Windows 10 again on a replacement machine for the original home build.

Make sure that your current digital license for Windows 10 is linked to your Microsoft account:

Link Microsoft Account to Windows 10 Digital License Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

- before you rebuild the system.

On the rebuild, after installation of Windows 10, sign in with your Microsoft account, and activation should follow.

If there are problems, post on the Windows Updates and Activation - Windows 10 Forums forum for help.

 

See these links:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...ardware-change
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...rosoft-windows
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...-10-activation
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...?os=windows-10

 

Not true - the link with MS account only enables user to reactivate in event of a hardware change. This is a manual process using activation troubleshooter.

 

No - activation will not follow. OP has to run activation troubleshooter to reactivate new pc.

 

@zbook's post #4 is the right scoop, directly from Microsoft.