Question Reverting Surface tablet back to Windows 8?

[lantis3]

Apparently your surface device can't boot from an optical drive

Use Rufus and burn the Win8.1 ISO file onto a USB drive and boot from it

 

[mikehende]

Hey guys, i created the boot usb flash drive in Rufus as pictured below but it doesn't light up when I insert it into the hub or directly into the device's usb slot. Might there be something I should be adjusting in the device's settings as shown in my previous screenshots please in order for the flash drive to boot?

 

[mikehende]

It's ok guys, I figure it out how to get it to boot but 2nd screen is asking for the product key before it will install. I am seeing different versions online like Professional, standard and enterpise, should a 'Standard' key be the one I should purchase please?

If yes, that Standard 32/64 bit version in lower picture is expensive at 37 dollars so would I be able to use the Professional version key or would it need to be the Standard only?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

What specific version of Windows 8 did this ship with originally. The key should be encoded in the BIOS and ONLY that version will install without issues. Anything else strays into forbidden territory here.

 

[mikehende]

What specific version of Windows 8 did this ship with originally. The key should be encoded in the BIOS and ONLY that version will install without issues. Anything else strays into forbidden territory here.

1st screenshot below shows the version I had created the iso from. Next 2 shows the only related setting in Bios as I am seeing?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

That says nothing about what originally shipped with the unit. You need the exact version that actually came preinstalled. This is likely OEM which is only available from the manufacturer (not Microsoft). If you wish to install anything else you will require the key.

 

[mikehende]

That says nothing about what originally shipped with the unit. You need the exact version that actually came preinstalled. This is likely OEM which is only available from the manufacturer (not Microsoft). If you wish to install anything else you will require the key.

So my only option will be to contact MS which is impossible to get tech support from them?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Microsoft dropped support years ago and won't talk to you at all. If you don't have the original CD/DVD for that unit then you're out of luck without a valid license key. Those 4 or 5$ keys are NOT valid.

 

[mikehende]

Microsoft dropped support years ago and won't talk to you at all. If you don't have the original CD/DVD for that unit then you're out of luck without a valid license key. Those 4 or 5$ keys are NOT valid.

Hmnn, so now I have to go back to and settle for only win10 again. If I were to reinstall win 10 now again, will I need to get a product key for it?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

You need an activation key for all products if you want to stay legal. Though you can run Windows 10 in a limited mode without activation. (can't change deskstop wallpaper is the biggest limitation, along with a nag message).

 

[SkyNetRising]

You can use default windows keys for install.
They will not allow activation though.

<Potential pirate links removed by moderator>

 

[mikehende]

Ok guys, can you advise on the best windows 10 version for this specific device please and I will purchase a key for it?

 

[SkyNetRising]

Ok guys, can you advise on the best windows 10 version for this specific device please and I will purchase a key for it?

You had Windows 10 Pro on this device before.
Windows 10 Pro - is the appropriate choice.
It should activate without a problem, if it was activated before reinstall.
No need to get a new key.

You should have installed windows 8 pro (not windows 8 standard).
It probably would have taken windows key from BIOS.

 

[mikehende]

You had Windows 10 Pro on this device before.
Windows 10 Pro - is the appropriate choice.
It should activate without a problem, if it was activated before reinstall.
No need to get a new key.

Appreciate it guys, will report back when all is done, thanks.

 

[mikehende]

So I had forgotten that since the win8 wasn't installed that the win 10 Pro is still on the unit. Right now I am running all the updates available again. But seems to me I will need to purchase a windows key. Can you guys have a look at the screenshots below and advise on if I should purchase any key as long as it is a WIndows 'Professional' key please?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

I don't see anything indicating that this installation is not licensed.

 

[mikehende]

I don't see anything indicating that this installation is not licensed.

It's that line of text under the COPY tab. I am thinking that means I will need a product key, if not is there any way to see where it actually shows 'Windows is activated' please?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

What you are seeing indicates that the installation is fully authenticated with Microsoft's servers. That link you keep bringing up simply allows you to change the license code if/when necessary. Just enjoy the tablet and stop worrying over things that don't matter.

 

[mikehende]

What you are seeing indicates that the installation is fully authenticated with Microsoft's servers. That link you keep bringing up simply allows you to change the license code if/when necessary. Just enjoy the tablet and stop worrying over things that don't matter.

Got it! Well, you guys here have been great, thank you all so very much for helping me with all of this.

 

[lantis3]

If you still want to go back to 8.1, see if this works

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...ndows-81/4254a5bf-868e-4e4a-89a0-c61eb17a0ebb

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface-recovery-image

==

Well, on a second thought, 8.1 is too old, not recommended.

You can try Windows 10 debloaters to improve experience
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=windows+10+debloat

 

[mikehende]

Wait a minute guys, I am only now seeing the prompt on the bottom right of the screen to Activate windows. So, back to my question, I simply purchase any 'Professional' license for this?

 

[COLGeek]

Have you tried activating? As is?

 

[mikehende]

This is what I am now seeing, so should I simply leave the tablet on overnight to see if it will activate?

 

[COLGeek]

This is what I am now seeing, so should I simply leave the tablet on overnight to see if it will activate?

Try later. This is common. Are you using a Microsoft account? If so, your product key is likely stored under your user profile.

 

[mikehende]

Try later. This is common. Are you using a Microsoft account? If so, your product key is likely stored under your user profile.

No I'm not using MS account as I can't get in. I have had MAJOR problems with MS over the years mainly because the original email address I had signed up with many years ago I no longer have and could never retrieve it. Many attempts calling MS for tech support is all in vain too.