Windows 10 (sorry) - clean install?

HappySeagull

If/when the inevitable happens and I have to "upgrade" to Windows 10, is there any way to do a clean install?

I'd rather wipe my disk and start from scratch, to bring it back to "as new" speed without any built-up rubbish.

I'm hoping I don't have to do a clean install from my Win 8 disk, followed by a Win 10 update. But history tells me it will need a previous licence number.

Or should I wait and *buy* a shiny new Win 10 disk? (Ouch!)

pappa_golf

in order to get the free upgrade , you have to UPGRADE , once upgraded your machine will be registered with MS and you can do a clean install , I have explained several times on this forum how to do it inc here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5433969


http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=70353595&postcount=7

abibee

You have to do an upgrade install, over the top of your 7/8/8.1 so that your computer registers with Microsoft servers. After that you can then do a clean install, no product key necessary (you skip that step). Or, there is a reset option from within Windows, which is pretty much a clean install.

If you're waiting, best wait until after the next big update, which is due in a few months I think. You have until the end of July to get it for free, unless they extend the free period.

Jivesinger

HappySeagull wrote: »

If/when the inevitable happens and I have to "upgrade" to Windows 10, is there any way to do a clean install?

Yes there is:
http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/23354-clean-install-windows-10-directly-without-having-upgrade-first.html

HappySeagull

Thanks all, that looks hopeful. I'll read and digest your links!

esuhl

pappa_golf wrote: »

in order to get the free upgrade , you have to UPGRADE , once upgraded your machine will be registered with MS and you can do a clean install , I have explained several times on this forum how to do it inc here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5433969


http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=70353595&postcount=7

You don't need to do an in-place upgrade any more. You can do a clean installation of Windows 10 and activate it using your Windows 7/8 key.

HappySeagull

esuhl wrote: »

You don't need to do an in-place upgrade any more. You can do a clean installation of Windows 10 and activate it using your Windows 7/8 key.

So would I need to download a Win 10 image and burn to DVD/USB to do that?

Edit: Just found the option to create a DVD on the WS Win 10 page.

pappa_golf

yes , but the burning question is , do you have a clear and valid serial number you can use to imput.


I have never done it this way , so cannot comment , win 7 did indeed use a ser No , however a lot of win 8 machines used there bios string to claim authenticity to the OS on reload . and did not have a clear ser no on the unit .


its strings and roundabouts , upgrade then wipeout and a fresh install , or risk using a ser number , possible failure then reloading 7/8 and upgrading .


leave it to you ,

HappySeagull

pappa_golf wrote: »

yes , but the burning question is , do you have a clear and valid serial number you can use to imput.

I have never done it this way , so cannot comment , win 7 did indeed use a ser No , however a lot of win 8 machines used there bios string to claim authenticity to the OS on reload . and did not have a clear ser no on the unit .

its strings and roundabouts , upgrade then wipeout and a fresh install , or risk using a ser number , possible failure then reloading 7/8 and upgrading .
,

Thanks, yes I've got a clear and valid serial number, but previous experience still scares me! I'll ponder it deeply before proceeding...

esuhl

The Windows 7 keys aren't serial numbers! That would make it far too easy for people to use others' keys illegitimately.

pappa_golf

key number , serial numbers , actually there have been several reports that doing it that way has resulted in a non accepted format to MS , and a reload of 7/8 has been needed before a clean install


as above the OP has 2 options and its upto them how they proceed