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Question

Windows 10 crashed - nothing would open

Apr 5, 2018 3:54PM PDT

I went through the free win 10 period, installed win 10 over 8.1 and have been using it for quite a while. Yesterday, it crashed and after trying to get it going for a while, I reinstalled win 8 ( which I had my original dvd). Now it won't let me reinstall win 8.1 without buying it and I can't reinstall win 10 without paying $119. Can anyone help me dig out of this mess?
Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
what sort of error msgs you getting?
Apr 5, 2018 4:30PM PDT

If you had windows 10, upgraded from 8, then when you install it and then verify with microsoft, no charge should be given for it. If you get in a bind for something to use till can fix the problem with microsoft, boot to a LIVE DVD of Linux Mint, or ubuntu MAte, or Zorin OS and use it in interim.

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Answer
If you had Win10 activated...
Apr 5, 2018 4:24PM PDT