Upgrade and rollback issues, missing program files

[kermitgrl]

I upgraded to Windows 10 a few weeks ago after my computer wouldn't stop pestering me about it, to check things out. After a day or so, I still didn't like things so I rolled back to the Windows 7 I had prior, though as before I do any major changes, made sure to make a system restore point. Things went awry. Program files went missing that had been on my computer right before, including some things I could easily re-download, such as Firefox but others that are not as easy: Microsoft office. The system restore point I created during Windows 10, prior to doing the rollback was visible while in Windows 7 but the process wouldn't complete, I assumed because it was made in a different windows version. Well, now I am back in Windows 10 hoping to use that restore point to get back Microsoft office but it's disappeared. My restore points were wiped blank. Is there any way to locate some files I assume are still on my computer somewhere, but got hidden or moved during the version changes? I tried looking in windows.old but didn't see them (that folder is primarily empty, oddly enough) and am unsure where else to look or what to look for.

Also, I tried entering the product key I have for Microsoft office but it says its invalid. I never created a Microsoft account either, so that does not appear to be an option.

 

[Lutfij]

Have you tried performing a re-install of Windows 10 provided you haven't made any hardware changes to your system? Unfortunately if all the restore points are blank then it means you have no more prior points to fall back to. Although by the book a system restore does work out in times of need but in reality it doesn't always go according to plan. Next time should something go wrong with any applications not trying to operate try a repair install.

All versions of Windows from 7 onward are based on the same NT platform but they have minor differences underneath where Windows 10 has a security feature whereby you cannot access the users files without offering the right credentials.

Sadly the solution at this point would be to re-install your OS and if the activation/licence key for Office doesn't work again, then it'd be a good time to contact Microsoft and inform them about the mess(that they may have created).