Windows 8 OEM disc failing for clean install, If I buy a reboot disc can I use the product key to reinstall?

[JayRosa]

I purchased a Windows 8 OEM Full version a couple years ago. My Pro Tools 11 was no longer working last year and I believe it's due to my OS, so I attempted to patch/fix through the Admin command prompt which had failed. I tried to clean install with the actual disc, and I recieve errors.
Without realizing there was going to be compatibility issues, I upgraded to Windows 10 for free in hopes that the new OS would run smoothly for my PT11. I learned shortly after that Avid (Pro tools creator) never created an update for Pro Tools 11 to work properly with Windows 10.
I gave up.
Well, now I'm back at it. I refuse to let this stop my recording capabilities and am determined to fix this issue. It appears I can't restore Windows 8 because of the alloted "Downgrade" time (to downgrade from Windows 10 to windows 8 for preference) and with my disc no longer working properly...I'm stuck. I ran across the "All in one Windows 8 reboot disc" that apparently helps you reinstall for issues quite like this.
My question(s) is/are: If I purchase this reboot disc, will it allow me to use to the Key from the "Windows 8 OEM Full version" disc I orginally purchased? And if not...Is there another solution WITHOUT having to purchase ANOTHER $80-150 version of Windows 8?
I'm unsure that my PC gear is relevant but, here's my current set-up, just in case:
- AMD FX-8350 Black Edition Vishera 8-Core 4.0 GHz (Processor)
- Hyper EVO 212 CPU cooler
- ASUS GeForce GTX 950 STRIX (Graphics card)
- G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) (RAM)
- 1TB WD Blue (hard drive)
- CX750M (Power Supply)

 

[Fastcharlie]

Yes you can use it for a reinstall with all the same hardware.

 

[Barty1884]

If you upgraded to W10 and the appropriate time elapsed (30 days?), then your W8 key... for all intents & purposes, no longer exists.

The only way to legitly install and activate Windows 8 now, is to buy a further license.

Out of curiosity, does PT11 work in compatibility mode for W7 (or W8)? You might be able to do it when it's already installed - right click any shrotcut etc, and under "properties>compatility" set a compatibility mode for any prior (known working) OS.

If not, try to reinstall, but before you run any "setup.exe" type installer, right click it, and install in compatibility mode.

Worth checking that out before spending any money .

 

[James Mason]

You don't have to buy one, you can make your own Windows 8/8.1 disc:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
8 keys work on 8.1.
You can also use it on windows 10 I believe.
and also make your own windows 10 disc:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

And specifically for protools, maybe you need to update it a bit. Also the "inplace upgrade to 10" is well known to cause multiple issues, but that's largely because of missing or improper drivers being used because of the upgrade: http://www.pro-tools-expert.com/home-page/2016/7/30/windows-10-and-pro-tools-our-advice

 

[JayRosa]

If you upgraded to W10 and the appropriate time elapsed (30 days?), then your W8 key... for all intents & purposes, no longer exists.

The only way to legitly install and activate Windows 8 now, is to buy a further license.

Out of curiosity, does PT11 work in compatibility mode for W7 (or W8)? You might be able to do it when it's already installed - right click any shrotcut etc, and under "properties>compatility" set a compatibility mode for any prior (known working) OS.

If not, try to reinstall, but before you run any "setup.exe" type installer, right click it, and install in compatibility mode.

Worth checking that out before spending any money .

Ouch. I should've mentioned that I've tried installing other audio recording applications since I've upgraded and they all fail while opening after install...?...A few months ago, the only one that worked was a "strictly Online DAW" which is strange. I'm currently retrying "Pro Tools First" which is compatible with Windows 10...it'll take a few hours before it finishes downloading (Crap internet speed)--- If it works, GREAT --- but I'm still going to try the compatibility option you suggested because I did pay $700 for PT 11 (RIDICULOUS AMOUNT).
I'm concerned that there may be a deeper, embedded issue with my computer...I'm just not sure what and where though. I run Photoshop CS6 AND Sony Vegas Pro 13 with little issue, granted they're not Audio recording programs they do use significant power to run.
Is "tomshardware" a good place to receive additional guidance to get my recording software up and running or more specified towards Gear and OS?