Well, I replaced my pre-November ISOs with the newer ones. . A couple paragraphs from http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-reverses-course-restores-downloads-of-windows-10-november-update/: ---------- "The Windows 10 media creation tool, which allows Windows users to download installation files for clean installations and upgrades, will once again allow anyone to obtain build 10586, a full installation package that incorporates the November Update. The biggest benefit of the new installation files is that it allows Windows 10 to be activated using a product key from Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1." ---------- If I'm reading that right, that would explain why my older ISOs would not accept my Windows 7 key when doing a clean install. Also, again if I'm reading correctly, the newer ISOs should accept any valid 7, 8, 8.1 key. The dark blue/purple image I posted above was obtained through a search. The screens I was getting are the white ones. Why the difference? I don't have a clue. This is a more recent image using the 64 bit ISO I just downloaded: Clicking "I don't have a product key" allows me to continue with the install.

I give up. I'm going to wheedle the money to take this machine to a repair shop. I fail to understand that if you think the user is the problem, PEBCAK, that you would bother to respond. There are too many problems for me to resolve from the Win10 uninstall. The uninstall was recommended by Microsoft Tech Support after he failed to help me fix Mail, Calendar, Cortana, People apps during a 2 1/2 Hour phone call. Since last Sept. I've been trying to get this machine to work as it should. I've spent many hours on MS site, looking for articles on other sites that address our problems. My husband and I have spent many hours searching and trying to resolve these problems. 5 months. The last thing we need is snarky comments, snotty opinions and in general, erroneous assumptions. This was always a place for us to come to ask for help. It's not any longer, and the pointless crap is a waste of time when we have spent so much of it trying to fix this ourselves. Many thanks to those of you who asked specific questions and gave good advice and shared your knowledge. You are truly a God send to those of us who need help.

" ... I would like a pdf reader that's not tied into/with MS Edge. I don't want to create a new account with MS." . I don't understand the need to create a new account with MS? I sign in using a local account the same as I did in Windows 7. When I view a PDF in Edge (or Firefox), I don't get asked to sign into an MS account (or create a new one). . Personally, I don't have a standalone PDF reader installed but if I did, I'd probably go with Adobe Reader. Only reasons being that I'm familiar with it and have had no problems with it.

I have a Laptop with Windows 7.0 Professional that I purchased in January 2016...and it is faster than my Desktop Windows 10......I am so happy I didn't upgrade my Laptop....I tried to in May but had a problem and had to take it to a technician.....cost me $30.00 to repair and go back to Windows 7.0 Professional...but it was worth it. By the time my Laptop (with W 7.0 Prof) expires in about four years.... I will have to buy a new Laptop with Windows 10....and maybe they will get the kinks out.... My overall view of Windows 3.l to Windows 10.....they did not improve at all ....they made it so confusing......and I have had computers with W 3.0, 98, XP, Vista, 7.0, 10....and my humble opinion...XP was the best....!!!! If it works why fix it??? I know why...they want you to spend your money....it is like that with these new elaborate cell phones.....I have $20.00/month Virgin Samsung....and it does the job and I love it......I have a ipad, laptop, and two desktops...who needs that new contraption....you can't see anything outdoors with it, can't hear, etc....believe my children and grandchildren. have it....but, I prefer mine....This is only my opinion.......so don't let my opinions upset you...LOL!!!..