gaspan
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Windows 10 "clean" install failures
After several failed attempts to upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, I tried a clean install using a CD and a valid key. I tried booting from the CD and go through the upgrade and also starting the process from within win 8.1. In all the cases, the first but stops at the Windows flag! The system was checked for compatibility and it is fine.
I do not care about preserving the contents of my drive so I wonder how can I initiate a format from the Windows 10 CD. Any recommendations?
I do not care about preserving the contents of my drive so I wonder how can I initiate a format from the Windows 10 CD. Any recommendations?
Edward Pamias
Is that the upgrade tool on CD? Or is that the retail version? Did you try downloading the upgrade tool and doing it that way?
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ASKER
Additional info:
I have tried both the upgrade tool (clean install) and the CD which is a retail edition with key. I have seen a lot of threads that lead me to believe that an "upgrade" error could be hardware driver dependent. But what I want to do is a clean install and this is why I am puzzled...
I have tried both the upgrade tool (clean install) and the CD which is a retail edition with key. I have seen a lot of threads that lead me to believe that an "upgrade" error could be hardware driver dependent. But what I want to do is a clean install and this is why I am puzzled...
You saw my comment, I hope. Please see if you can update your bios.
What key are you using? Remember that the deadline for the free upgrade has expired, so if you are using the key of the previous OS that could cause it to fail. You would need a valid Windows 10 key.
Otherwise just try the installation without inputting a key. That way you will still be able to install windows 10. It just won't activate and run in trial mode with reduced functionality.
Otherwise just try the installation without inputting a key. That way you will still be able to install windows 10. It just won't activate and run in trial mode with reduced functionality.
>> Remember that the deadline for the free upgrade has expired, so if you are using the key of the previous OS that could cause it to fail.
Not quite correct. You CAN still install using the previous OS key.
See https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/75159/can-still-use-windows-78-x-product-key-activate-windows-10 and http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-free-upgrade-is-still-available-using-windows-7-and-8-product-keys/ but I'd do it now rather than tomorrow.
Not quite correct. You CAN still install using the previous OS key.
See https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/75159/can-still-use-windows-78-x-product-key-activate-windows-10 and http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-free-upgrade-is-still-available-using-windows-7-and-8-product-keys/ but I'd do it now rather than tomorrow.
That is a special loophole where you are required to accept that you are using assistive technologies. You need to run the file you download from the m$ site and it only has been made public when the free upgrade was closed. It definitely isn't the normal procedure and I very much doubt the asker knew this when he posted his question.
Well, no it's not.
The assistive technologies is one method.
The key loophole as described by Mary Jo Foley and Ed Bott and Paul Thurrott http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-free-upgrade-is-still-available-using-windows-7-and-8-product-keys/ is another. Simply it appears that Microsoft has NOT yet turned off the activation for users with Windows 7 and 8 keys.
I suspect that they are giving users a little bit more time to get their machines upgraded to Windows 10.
The assistive technologies is one method.
The key loophole as described by Mary Jo Foley and Ed Bott and Paul Thurrott http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-free-upgrade-is-still-available-using-windows-7-and-8-product-keys/ is another. Simply it appears that Microsoft has NOT yet turned off the activation for users with Windows 7 and 8 keys.
I suspect that they are giving users a little bit more time to get their machines upgraded to Windows 10.
This is not about activation. It's about an installation that doesn't finish.
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>> This is not about activation. It's about an installation that doesn't finish.
Yes. Apologies.
What exactly is your system? Make, model, CPU, hard disk, RAM?
Yes. Apologies.
What exactly is your system? Make, model, CPU, hard disk, RAM?
ASKER
Thank you for suggesting UBCD...might try this approach and format the drive, then start clean. Will do a system check for the heck of it but this system although older, passes the hardware compatibility test for Win 10 and runs perfectly with win 8.1
ok -awaiting results
Me too, the bios...
ASKER
BIOS is current so that is not the problem McKnife.
Did not find the time to work with UBCD yet but will let you guys know. Thank you for the suggestions.
Did not find the time to work with UBCD yet but will let you guys know. Thank you for the suggestions.
Ok.
Some approaches: take out the disk and start the installation in another machine and let it pass the first phase on the other machine. At first reboot, shut down the machine and put the disk back to where it belongs. Might sound wild, but could work.
Also try to disconnect any unneeded devices and set your bios back to defaults. If still no better, try a different hard drive and, if removable, different video adapter.
Some approaches: take out the disk and start the installation in another machine and let it pass the first phase on the other machine. At first reboot, shut down the machine and put the disk back to where it belongs. Might sound wild, but could work.
Also try to disconnect any unneeded devices and set your bios back to defaults. If still no better, try a different hard drive and, if removable, different video adapter.
yes, you can install it on another system; it will PROBABLY work, and update the needed drivers - but no guarantee for all systems
however the fact that upgrading did not work could point to a hardware problem, so let me ask : were there any problems before, or was it running fine?
however the fact that upgrading did not work could point to a hardware problem, so let me ask : were there any problems before, or was it running fine?
ASKER
Memory issue,,, what a pain? Apparently that was not an issue while 8.1 was running but I was able to nail it down with UBCD.
Thank you for your help.
Thank you for your help.