Windows 10: Windows 10 upgrade of Windows 8.1 Media Center

I have MS 8.1 Media Center with thousands of dollars of purchased software installed on it.


Due to a fire in our office I have lost all the original installation CD's for that software.


Question is, I'm ready to move to Windows 10 and Office 2019.


Can I upgrade to Windows 10 without having to re-install all my original software?


Do I need a CD of Win 10, or will a internet download work?


If not, can I downgrade 8.1 Media Center to 8.1 Pro OEM? I bought a new copy of 8.1 Pro OEM but the key won't activate, presumably because of Media Center which I really don't need.


Thanks!

:)

 

Help save Windows Media Center

They already do. Windows Media Center on Window 8.1 costs either $10 or $100 depending on version of Windows. Windows 7 was the last to get it free.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/feature-packs

 

Windows Media Center Live TV Help

Hi

go here - Hauppauge | Page Not Found select "Windows Media Center install" tab

look at - Setting up your TV tuner in Windows 7 Media Center - select download (will open a pdf with screen by screen instructions)
"Download
Here is a screen by screen view of the setup of Windows Media Center. It was based on the WinTV-HVR-1600, but the setup with other WinTV-HVR products will be similar."

Follow the guide stage by stage

let the TPU community know at what "step" Media Center gets stuck at Example: step 1, step 2

nb: It may be to do with your zip code and or post code not being entered

In regard to your DVD Rom drive - go to -control panel/device manager/DVD/CD-ROM drives -make a note of the make and model number Example: Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-215D ATA Device - highlight the device you have installed -press right mouse button-select properties-details-property and select Install Date from the drop down list and let us know this.

atb (all the best)

Law-II

 

windows 7 8 or 10

We can kick Windows 8.1 to the curb right away. Windows 10, in tablet mode, is effectively identical...not that I would recommend using tablet mode.

The only advantage Windows 8.1 has over Windows 10 is Windows Media Center. Windows 10 doesn't have it and likely will never support it. Microsoft wants you to buy an Xbox One and use that, instead of your computer, for media, and then stream it to your Windows 10 machine from the Xbox One. Windows Media Center on 7 seems to not be getting updates anymore (worked off of Vista guide info which shut down). Windows Media Center on 8.1 costs $10 to upgrade on Pro or $100 to upgrade on Home.

The Windows 7 upgrade (should still work for about 10 months yet) requires:
1) Install Windows 7.
2) Activate Windows 7.
3) Upgrade to Windows 10.
4) Activate Windows 10.
At this point, you could either stay with Windows 10 or downgrade to Windows 7 by doing a clean install.

Personally, I would go with Windows 10. It has some bugs but it is pretty good overall.