Windows 10 did me in (www.tenforums.com/.../31062-show-me-way-go-home-back-w8-1-a.html), so I want to throw in the towel and build my Windows 8 system from scratch - I have all my files and list of installed apps with their configs. I ordered and received the Windows 8 recovery disk for my computer from Dell.
Except, when I boot the disk, it prompts me to enter the product key. Isn't it supposed to read it from the BIOS on the motherboard?
I should add: Over the summer, I had to have the motherboard replaced. It, too, came from Dell. I presume the technician had the product key reinstalled, because it was working fine at the time; but, is it possible the key was never installed, for the PC to boot?
When I called Dell, they told me to enable legacy boot and make sure secure boot was off. I did both those things, but got the same result. I see there are a myriad of programs out there that will read the product key, but... You guessed it: You need administrative access. And I lost it, when I upgraded to Windows 10.
I could call Dell, but since my system is now out of warranty, they want to charge me for support.
Can anyone help me with this unmitigated disaster?
Dan