This technique worked in my case: tech-stew.com/post/2012/09/07/How-to-downgrade-from-Windows-8-MCE-to-Windows-8-Pro.aspx Need to "capture" the pro registry keys in another virtual image or machine though, but it works fine.
I tried this method but when I came to enter the reg file on the WMC PC it wouldn't allow the keys to be written? I had all "full" permissions in administrator mode but no joy - it just wouldn't write the reg keys?? I also tried the UpDown cmd script but like others I've get the message like "You already have Pro". It's a potential future problem (for me) as I installed Win 8 Pro on a couple of family members PC's with the "default Pro key" and then used the free WMC upgrade key which, at the time (before M$ closed the door) worked and the 2 PC's are still currently activated... but I know it's only a question of time before an update un-activates both of them... so I'm keen to find a way that will work to downgrade the WMC to Pro so I can then buy a Pro key and use that so I won't have to do a complete reinstall. Any other ideas I might try?
Sorry I should have said family - slip of the keyboard - that's why I can rectify things when I have a solution I don't use hacks for real paying customers.... family don't pay.. Now that's cleared up is there anything else I might try to downgrade to Pro?
Hmmm it did work this time ..... but after a lot of installing/updating it set up the Pro as a complete new user with a windows.old folder.... All previously installed Office and other software was not brought forward? I will try again in case I did something wrong.. **EDIT** I just tried again and after entering the Pro key all I'm asked for is - do I want to keep:- A. Keep Personal Files Only B. Nothing I don't get the opportunity to "Keep Everything" ??
Yes the Win 8 Pro WMC install has lots of programs and utilities installed - all working perfectly under Win 8 so I don't know why the only 2 options are 1. Keep Personal Files Only and 2. Nothing ??
Why do you want to downgrade to Pro? Pro with WMC sounds like an upgrade to me and I was planning to install it on my copy from MSDN:AA. Any reason not to?
Ok, good. Still, now I'm curious what issues people who activated with just the MCE key are having. Did MS start invalidating such activations or something?
No MS has stopped/patched the loophole it is not possible any more to activate using that method,but wont take time for MS to invalidate with an update.
Yes that's my problem. I installed Win 8 Pro using the the XXXXX-CRYQH key (not activated) and then upgraded to WMC with the free key from M$ and got activated OK. Everything is still currently fine, but it's only a question of time before M$ puts an end to this and I expect to see a "Not Activated" message some time soon... because the original installation was not activated. Currently there is no way for me in the UK for me to buy a working legit FULL WMC key... but there is a way to buy a Pro key so that's why I want to know if it's possible to downgrade to Pro... and keep all programs and settings without a full reinstall... I've tried loads of methods but still no joy with successfully downgrading... The nearest I've got are the options.. A. Keep Personal Files Only B. Nothing I just don't get the opportunity to "Keep Everything" ??
I ran the CMD both before and after using Updown8 (and even after using the reg file you sent me) but I still get current version as ProfessionalWMC - the full CMD result is always as follows:- "Image Version 6.2.9200.16384 An attempt was made to access a socket in a way forbidden by its access permissions Current Version ProfessionalWMC" After entering the .reg file (Win7Pro) and running the CMD again I got the following result:- "Image Version 6.2.9200.16384 An attempt was made to access a socket in a way forbidden by its access permissions Error 0x800f0805 The specified package is not valid Windows package" Any ideas?
Yes the error is what i expected, so the reg file works. Now after adding the registry, run setup from the default(msdn iso) and try upgrading/downgrading.I am sure you will get an option to keep everything as shown in (picture 1).
OK I'll come clean... I know it's my own fault...... I installed Windows 8 Pro version from an AIO ISO and then used the free key to upgrade to WMC which is still working AOK, but if, after using the reg file I try to use the same AIO ISO to downgrade to Pro I get a message saying:- "Use the other installation disc that says 64-bit. When you insert it Windows Setup will restart automatically" and of course because it's an AIO I don't have the "other" disc? Oh well
That was the first thing I did.... I downloaded en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440 but alas no joy.. Ho-Hum, that's the way the cookie crumbles..