Okay, nuhi, more info for you.
It seems that I am only allowed to do a "one time" Host Refresh when I use a current build number for my Refresh.
Try this: Take a fresh, vanilla 2004 iso and install Windows Home Core in a VM.
I tell it during install that "I don't have a Product Key." (And perhaps this is why I am having a problem. Update: No, that can't be it. See update below.)
Okay, once Windows is installed in the VM (I use Virtual Box), I have to add Guest Additions, so that I can copy the 2004 iso into the VM.
From there I mount the iso and copy the wim to the VM C: drive. (I guess, technically, it's an esd, not a wim.)
And that is the only change I have made to Windows in the VM.
Then I run Setup to do a Host Refresh.
And .... it won't let me keep my personal files and apps.
I presume that you will get the same result.
I also presume that you have a Volume License with working Keys. So I am curious to know if you get a different result (that is, that you are allowed to keep your files and apps) IF you install using a Product Key.
(I don't have a Product Key for the Host Refresh on my Dell box because the Key for my Dell is built in to the BIOS. (Or wherever they hide it.) So I believe that means that Win10 is automatically activated on my Dell. But let's hear what happens when you try both with the same Key.
Update: But I don't need a Product Key for Host Refresh on my Dell. It does not ask me for one.
