📎 AI Summary:
The forum thread discusses a user’s attempt to reinstall Windows 10 Pro after a failed recovery corrupted the boot record, with the goal of preserving programs and data without a product key. The original poster considers using a clean install from an ISO but is concerned about retaining their programs and data, especially since their disks are BitLocker encrypted and their product key is lost. A subsequent reply suggests using the Windows 7 Pro product key (which was the original upgrade) to activate Windows 10 during reinstallation, and another later comment recommends simply reinstalling Windows and then activating it directly. Overall, the thread centers on how to reinstall Windows 10 and maintain existing programs without losing data, with some uncertainty about product keys.
KennebunkLarry

KennebunkLarry

New Member
Joined
May 15, 2020
Messages
2
Thread Author #1
Background: A messed up attempt at restoring my Windows 10 Pro state to 3 days earlier using a Macrium Reflect backup corrupted my PC boot record and I was unable to fix it using bootrec and diskpart. So, now I want to reinstall it without losing my programs from an ISO image that I produced with the Media Creation Tool. My Windows 10 Pro was a free upgrade from 7 Pro so I don't have a product key. Also, my disks are bitlocker encrypted.

Problem: Since I can't access the File Explorer from my PC, when I select Install Windows I am not allowed to do an install which saves programs and data without a product key. It appears my only option is a fresh installation. Is there a way I can save my programs and reinstall Windows 10?

Thanks!
 

Solution
G
You should use your Win 7 Pro product key, if you have one. That's what I did when I reinstalled win 10 keeping the installed programs. My win 7 ultimate was not oem, it was retail, so I had the keys.

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk
Sort by date Sort by votes
G

GDany

Honorable Member
Joined
May 7, 2018
Messages
220
#2
You should use your Win 7 Pro product key, if you have one. That's what I did when I reinstalled win 10 keeping the installed programs. My win 7 ultimate was not oem, it was retail, so I had the keys.

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk
 

Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.