Problems upgrading Windows 7 to Windows 10.

JustAnotherSaver

Finally getting round to doing it but ran in to a problem at the start.

Just managed to get all files on to storage drives, downloaded "MediaCreationTool21H2" from Microsoft but when I run it it says

I've right clicked, properties then general & clicked unblock but no good.

I thought at least I'd get past the first hurdle!

And to be clear, I'm not wanting to install Windows 10 OVER Windows 7, I'm wanting to do a clean install but using my Windows 7 64bit Pro key.

Neil_Jones

Here's a bodge to get an ISO without using that tool:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/how-to-download-a-windows-10-iso-by-impersonating-other-devices/

You can just burn the ISO to a CD, or use something like Rufus if you want it for a bootable USB.

https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/media-creation-tool-error-0x80072f8f-0x20000/ might fix the issue of your screenshot, although whether its worth fixing it considering you want to wipe it anyway, you may as well just get the ISO.

shiraz99

Are you trying to run it as a standalone program? You should create a bootable USB and install via that.

JustAnotherSaver

@Neil_Jones - Would going the ISO route still work? As in

1) Could I clean install

2) Using my Windows 7 key

3) And it'll activate?

Or am I likely to run in to a "this is not a Windows 10 key" error message?

If you have time can you (or anyone) see if the Microsoft media creation tool works? https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Reason I ask is because I just tried it on my laptop now - same problem.

The thing is, last year I actually dummy ran a Windows 10 install from this PC as I was going to upgrade to Windows 10 back then  but one thing & another and I ended up staying with Windows 7.

Point being, I actually used the tool last year on this PC that is saying wont work on this PC.

And for it to now not work on my laptop either with the same error?

I'm wondering if the installer is bad in some way?

And also, a little off topic but I had my 8GB USB drive inserted ready to go. Noticed it was actually a Windows 7 bootable drive so went to (quick) format it (as I do with any removable drive getting formatted). It says the capacity is 7.21GB. I suppose this is fair enough? As no drive ends up being what it says on the tin, but that's not the problem.

Issue is when I format it - instead of saying 7.21GB free, it keeps saying 7.15GB free & there's a small amount of blue in the space used bar, unlike say when I format my dashcam SD card which will have the free amount matching the capacity amount & the storage bar will be totally clear.

shiraz99 said:

Are you trying to run it as a standalone program? You should create a bootable USB and install via that.

Is this not what I'm trying to do with that program?

Click it and select create bootable USB??

gefnew

This from Microsoft web site.

To create the installation media, here's what you'll need:

• A PC with a reliable internet connection. The download time will vary, depending on your internet connection.

• A USB flash drive, external hard drive, or DVD. A blank USB flash drive or external hard drive with at least 8 GB of space, or a blank DVD (and DVD burner). We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD because any content on it will be deleted. When burning a DVD from an ISO file, if you're told the disc image file is too large, you'll need to use dual layer (DL) DVD media.
  
• Says at least 8GB

JustAnotherSaver

Thanks. I'll see if I have a spare 32 or 64GB one then to tick that box.

Regardless though, I would imagine the media creation tool.exe should open whether there's a USB drive inserted or not.

Note - I say it should open, not create the media, just simply open and give you the option of creating the media (which then if your capacity is not enough you'd probably then get a notification to say so).

I've just tried Neil's link - the winhelponline.com one. Followed the first instruction & when I got towards the end it said KB3140245 is already installed on this machine.

As I said - the tool worked fine last year on this very PC.

For some reason it's not working now.

pmartin86

Media Creation Tool - error code 0X80072F8F - 0X20000 - Microsoft Community

Give this a go.

JustAnotherSaver

gefnew said:

• Says at least 8GB

Well I've taken that same 7.21GB USB drive with the same 7.15GB of free space after a format & used Neil's link to go the .iso route using Rufus.

And it's created the drive.

Now whether the drive boots or not, installs Windows or not, I don't yet know.

But something isn't quite right all the same.

AstonSmith

I know you've made the USB drive using Rufus and all, but in case it doesn't work, I do believe the fix on this Microsoft Page (scroll down to Easy Fix) resolves that issue with the Windows 10/11 installer.

(I had to download W11 install media using W7 recently)

JustAnotherSaver

Well this is getting stranger & stranger.

Followed the guide above, didn't work as I said.

Just went to re-try the tool & works. Not really bothered as to why and why not since it's working but it's just strange.

As for the stranger part - you guys will probably know the why to this but it's over my head...

So I downloaded the .iso and used Rufus as I said.

Although Computer says the USB is just under 8GB it installed it to it anyway which left about 1.something GB free once it'd finished.

Now the Microsoft tool is working I thought - i'll format the USB drive and go straight for that. It may well be the exact same but it'd make me feel better using the tool MS say to use to get the job done

Anyway, just finished it now & computer says 2.90GB free of 7.19GB drive.

Quite a difference from the .iso + Rufus setup.

MidlandsGlory

I know with the tool you can create media with just 32 bit or 64 bit versions on it, or both. I got caught out doing a 'both' version as it takes more space but only tells you after trying to fit it on the disk and failing.

Perhaps the ISO is a 'both' installation copy.