Windows 10 --> 8 --> without losing data

[Will35]

Hello,
I recently built a new pc and replaced everything but the SSD from my old one. Everything went well but after a few days, Oh no! A wild Activate Windows has appeared! I tried selecting the " I recently changed hardware, but it didn't work. I have an old windows 8 key that I have verified as still working, so I assume my best option is to downgrade to Windows 8, then back to Windows 10. I have spent a significant period of time downloading programs and games and I would really prefer not to lose that. Is there any way I could carry out this transition without losing my data? I have a 500GB HDD from my old pc that I could use for backups, but I have no experience in this area and thought I would turn to the wise people of TechSpot.
Tl;dr I want to go Windows 10-8-10 without losing data.
Any help is much appreciated.

 

[Cycloid Torus]

I think this article covers it.

How to Transfer your Windows 10 License to a New Computer

Depending on the type of Windows 10 license you have installed, you might be able to transfer it to a new computer, if needed. Here's how to do it.

www.groovypost.com

 

[Will35]

I think this article covers it.

How to Transfer your Windows 10 License to a New Computer

Depending on the type of Windows 10 license you have installed, you might be able to transfer it to a new computer, if needed. Here's how to do it.

www.groovypost.com

Thanks for the reply, unfortunately this did not fix it, the article only illustrated things I had tried.

 

[Cycloid Torus]

Gee whiz and I thought the section beginning at the quotation below would solve it...

"How to Reactivate the License
Once you arrive at the desktop, you will need to re-enter your product key. You can do this a couple of different ways, let’s try the easiest method first.

Click Start > Settings > Update & security > Activation > Change the product key. Enter your Windows 7 or Windows 8.0/8.1 product key then click Next to activate.

The other option is to enter the key from the command prompt, press Windows key + X then click Command Prompt (Admin). Use this option only if you are experiencing difficulty doing so from within Settings."

Let me know if you ever find an answer.

 

[Will35]

Being a human and possessing some basic intel

Gee whiz and I thought the section beginning at the quotation below would solve it...

"How to Reactivate the License
Once you arrive at the desktop, you will need to re-enter your product key. You can do this a couple of different ways, let’s try the easiest method first.

Click Start > Settings > Update & security > Activation > Change the product key. Enter your Windows 7 or Windows 8.0/8.1 product key then click Next to activate.

The other option is to enter the key from the command prompt, press Windows key + X then click Command Prompt (Admin). Use this option only if you are experiencing difficulty doing so from within Settings."

Let me know if you ever find an answer.

Being a human and possessing some basic intelligence, I have in fact tried that unfortunately it gives an invalid code error. I have tried booting from a Windows 8 USB and after checking the code it verified it as valid.

 

[Cycloid Torus]

I've not had the problem.. so perhaps you should chat with Microsoft about your Windows 10 license which became yours with the previous authentication based on an owned key for Windows 8.1 All Microsoft really wants is to be sure you don't use a purchased key on more than one system.

Possible "settings" can help... https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028407/windows-10-activate

Keep me posted. I'll keep looking.

 

[Cycloid Torus]

This is a bit dated, but may still work if you have a good key... https://www.prrcomputers.com/blog/activate-windows-10-telephone/

More:

 

[MaikuTech]

If his old computer had manufacturer oem windows key preinstalled.
Any newer hardware "mobo" "cpu" "ram" will make his installation invalid.
If his windows product key was retail, he needs to find that key and talk to microsoft.
They will do a manual registry fix while implementing his key to the new hardware over the phone chat.

 

[MaikuTech]

Amazon.com: Windows 10 Professional OEM 64 Bit DVD English Language Full Product

Windows 10 Professional OEM 64 Bit DVD English Language Full Product

www.amazon.com