I reverted to 8.1, next steps to try 10 upgrade again...

LotsofErrors · 16 Aug 2015

alphanumeric said:

How did you do the first upgrade? The more detail you provide the better. We may be able to figure out why activation failed.

I reserved the Win 10 upgrade when the icon first popped up in my taskbar.

Over time, it downloaded everything necessary as is the case with everyone else.

On launch day, I proceeded to upgrade through Windows Update. The Upgrade installed no problem. However, I experienced a litany of issues - constant freezing, Cortana/search not working (and freezing), Skype failing to connect, and the Activation continually failing. I followed the Activation advice posted many times, but I sat here for four-five days, clicking Activate for hours, to no avail.

With the Activation not working, coupled with the screen freezes and Cortana failure, it was time to go back to 8.1. While it's not my favorite Windows, it is certainly more reliable than Win 10 was for me.

My first question is not about making an image. Yes, that's an option and a very good one. However my first question is the following:

1) I upgraded to Win 10. It didn't work out so well, so I reverted back to 8.1 At some point, I'm going to try the Win 10 upgrade again. If it doesn't work out AGAIN, will Windows let me revert, AGAIN, or was the reverting a one-time thing, period?

2) As my Win 10 never activated, Ztruker, your methodology doesn't work for me. And I don't want to do a clean install if possible, I'd like to go through the upgrade process again, like plenty of people did with absolutely no problem.

alphanumeric · 16 Aug 2015

You should get the Roll back option again, no reason not to. I would upgrade again to be sure Windows 10 activates. Before doing a clean install.

Ztruker · 16 Aug 2015

Yes, you "SHOULD" be able to roll back to 8.1. Key word is SHOULD. There have been lots of reports of the roll back failing, which is why creating a backup image is so very necessary.

Definitely try the upgrade again, but this time get rid of everything not absolutely necessary to running Win 8.1 successfully.

1. Uninstall any anti-virus other than Defender.
2. Uninstall any firewall other than Windows Firewall.
3. Uninstall any theme modifications.
4. Uninstall Classic Shell, Start8, Windows Blinds, etc.
5. Disconnect everything except mouse, keyboard and display.

Additional possibilities:

1. Task Manager, Startup tab, disable everything not required for the computer and OS to run.
2. Msconfig, Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services then disable anything not required for the computer and OS to run.