Upgrade went well but a driver issue is forcing me back BUT downgrade doesn't work

[1Don1]

I was running Windows 7 Pro. Upgraded to Windows 10 with no issues, it went smoother than I thought it would really. Then I noticed I had no audio. I do a lot of music recording and video editing and have to have audio. I have an older Focusrite Saffire firewire interface that worked fine under 7. I've tried everything I know to get the driver for the interface to install, it just won't. So I went to the "Recovery" section and clicked on "Get Started" under Go Back to Windows 7 but it says needed files have been deleted. I haven't deleted anything or run any kind of disk cleanup. The windows.old folder is still there. I don't have enough room on my backup drive to do an image of the Windows 10 install in case something goes wonky with the Windows 7 activation after reinstalling. So I have to buy a new audio interface or a new backup disk.

 

[Slashgeek]

Try using this software to look for your product key in the Windows.old folder:

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

Download a Windows 7 Pro or AIO ISO and create USB or DVD installation media to install Windows 7 Pro. Use your reacquired key to install Windows 7 Pro.