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Windows 10?

  • 22-07-2015 12:27pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,074 ✭✭✭


    I have just got some notification offering me a free upgrade? I'm not very technical. If I take this update will it reset the computer and will I loose everything and start at blank slate?


«13

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    No is the answer. It will just work like Windows update when it is released in the next couple of weeks. So all your files/programs etc will remain.


  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,017 Mod ✭✭✭✭yoyo


    No is the answer. It will just work like Windows update when it is released in the next couple of weeks. So all your files/programs etc will remain.

    There will be an option to "Keep all programs, files and Settings". By default this should be enabled during the initial installation. It is possible to just skip everything and upgrade though.

    Nick


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,953 ✭✭✭corkie


    I have a HP laptop running Windows 8.1!


    I posted the question should I create recovery drive(/disks) before or after the windows 10 update!


    On HP laptops you only get this option once, but from my own research there is ways around that. See here but reports of that not work on W8! The disk can be ordered if need be from HP.


    A bit more research and came across a method to create a System Image Backup. I was about four DVD's through a backup. While creating this I was researching how to restore this backup! And came across this: -



    Following instructions in that I found had corruption in Windows Component Store so I canceled my DVD backup. And ran the fix for it which needed an internet connection to work.


    I will be running another system image backup tonight on to USB hard drive, since that backup doesn't wipe other media from the drive.

    Edit: Did the backup onto a Hard drive with out wiping data on it! (Allot faster than doing it to DVDs).


    Posting the above in case it is a help for someone else!

    Regards
    John


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,278 ✭✭✭mordeith


    yoyo wrote: »
    There will be an option to "Keep all programs, files and Settings". By default this should be enabled during the initial installation. It is possible to just skip everything and upgrade though.

    Nick

    Ok, I'm confused. I always thought an upgrade of an OS essentially meant a new install. With Windows 10 I was thinking I'd have to dual boot with 7?


  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,017 Mod ✭✭✭✭yoyo


    mordeith wrote: »
    Ok, I'm confused. I always thought an upgrade of an OS essentially meant a new install. With Windows 10 I was thinking I'd have to dual boot with 7?

    Your Windows 7 license key will be consumed during the upgrade procedure and it will activate Windows 10 instead. Since windows 8 the Windows upgrade tool has become more advanced. It will let you choose to keep all installed programs that were on your previous install (e.g: Chrome, Word, Photoshop, Steam etc.) along with all the files and settings you have set.

    Nick


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15 Hugo93


    Debating if it is worth taking up space on my ssd for the new install (22gbs reportedly) skipped window 8 for obvious reasons , running 7 on all devices 😀


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,074 ✭✭✭pmasterson95


    yoyo wrote: »
    Your Windows 7 license key will be consumed during the upgrade procedure and it will activate Windows 10 instead. Since windows 8 the Windows upgrade tool has become more advanced. It will let you choose to keep all installed programs that were on your previous install (e.g: Chrome, Word, Photoshop, Steam etc.) along with all the files and settings you have set.

    Nick

    So its perfectly safe to download windows 10. And I get a button that allows me to select to keep everything I have. Its just its mostly used for college so I wouldn't want to loose anything I've on it!

    Thanks Nick :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,278 ✭✭✭mordeith


    yoyo wrote: »
    Your Windows 7 license key will be consumed during the upgrade procedure and it will activate Windows 10 instead. Since windows 8 the Windows upgrade tool has become more advanced. It will let you choose to keep all installed programs that were on your previous install (e.g: Chrome, Word, Photoshop, Steam etc.) along with all the files and settings you have set.

    Nick

    Are there any issues then with program compatability and the uograde?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,909 ✭✭✭✭28064212


    So its perfectly safe to download windows 10. And I get a button that allows me to select to keep everything I have. Its just its mostly used for college so I wouldn't want to loose anything I've on it!
    Things can go wrong. OS upgrades are complicated things. You should always have at least one back-up. What happens if your hard-drive dies in the morning?

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  • Posts: 15,661 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    So its perfectly safe to download windows 10. And I get a button that allows me to select to keep everything I have. Its just its mostly used for college so I wouldn't want to loose anything I've on it!

    Thanks Nick :)

    Start using/backing up your stuff onto one of the many cloud storage services on offer for free today!!!!!! Ones like Microsoft One drive will integrate into the file explorer on windows making it simple to just save stuff to that folder and let it take care of itself uploading. When off line you can still work with the files and access a local copy. Any changes made will sync when you go online again.

    Others like google drive, box etc all offer free storage too and are fine for general use. Don't put it on the long finger either you'll end up cursing yourself in the event of a system failure, or with a laptop in the event it's stolen !!!!!


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  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,017 Mod ✭✭✭✭yoyo


    So its perfectly safe to download windows 10. And I get a button that allows me to select to keep everything I have. Its just its mostly used for college so I wouldn't want to loose anything I've on it!

    Thanks Nick :)

    Pretty much yes. Compare it to upgrading an Android or iPhone. Most of the time you'll have no problems during the upgrade process. It is possible that something may fail. We'll know for certain how the whole process works when it is released the 29th of this month. But yes backup before you begin!
    I'm comparing it to the Windows 8/8.1 upgrade process I have used before with good success.
    Are there any issues then with program compatability and the uograde?
    If your running software fine on Win 7 or 8/8.1 it should work fine. Windows 10 is pretty much a 7/8.1 hybrid. It is possible to throw the developers preview in a Virtual Machine and check if your existing software will work that way.

    Nick


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,879 ✭✭✭✭Andy From Sligo


    I reserved my copy of windows 10 a month back - I dont normally have windows Update running on my Windows 8.1 laptop, I like to disable it and download updates manually if I need them - but for this rollout of win10 will I have to enable windows updates and have it running in the background so it will start downloading it or give me an option to download it, or dont you need windows update to be running/enabled?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    I reserved my copy of windows 10 a month back - I dont normally have windows Update running on my Windows 8.1 laptop, I like to disable it and download updates manually if I need them - but for this rollout of win10 will I have to enable windows updates and have it running in the background so it will start downloading it or give me an option to download it, or dont you need windows update to be running/enabled?

    Yes.

    And thats not a great idea when there are regular 0 day exploits that need patchin. Oh an you cant turn off updates in 10 FYI.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,796 ✭✭✭✭Jamie2k9


    Downloaded it earlier but Google Chrome seem to not work, ones just a blank page.

    The new Microsoft Edge isn't a bad search engine either.

    BTW Internet Explorer and Edge work perfectly just Chrome doesn't, anybody else have the same problem?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 97 ✭✭catsbanter


    Jamie2k9 wrote: »
    Downloaded it earlier but Google Chrome seem to not work, ones just a blank page.

    The new Microsoft Edge isn't a bad search engine either.

    BTW Internet Explorer and Edge work perfectly just Chrome doesn't, anybody else have the same problem?

    How did you download it. I have the windows 10 icon in my taskbar. Tried windows updates but nothing coming up.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,796 ✭✭✭✭Jamie2k9


    catsbanter wrote: »
    How did you download it. I have the windows 10 icon in my taskbar. Tried windows updates but nothing coming up.

    I registered early June and as media reported I didn't expect to receive it on launch day but I just happened to click on the icon yesterday evening and it opened up saying Window's 10 is ready to install and off I went.

    As for Chrome make sure you switch off compatibility mode if you use that browser.

    There was an article on the Journal last night with a way to speed up when you get it, might be worth a look.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,953 ✭✭✭corkie


    Windows 10 + Downloaded a virus file that i can not delete!!!????


    I successfully went from clicking the reserve button today, to have the system start the download on the update a few minutes later!

    Took the afternoon to download and then update the system + plus time to create a recovery media on USB (HP laptop, see earlier post)


    Note: If you set your connection as Metered Connection, you can choose when to download the forced windows updates and there is also a way to block unwanted driver updates if needed!


    Any way I was trying to use the Dism command (linked earlier), to cleanup the system image so I could do a system image backup, but it failed at finding the sources online. I was hoping to convert a local file to suitable format and followed instructions incorrectly that lead me to download a file that avg said was a virus, I put it in the virus vault and deleted it from avg.

    But the original file is in my download folder and I can not delete the file, even tried admin cmd and it just won't delete!



    Edit: Rebooted the laptop and the file was gone!

    Regards
    John


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 593 ✭✭✭DERICKOO


    OPPS


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 593 ✭✭✭DERICKOO


    Iv answered everyones question about getting back into windows 10 not easy you sign in to Microsoft and you will have to use same email and password to re access Windows 10 you are locked out and for me i was i use last pass and who remembers passwords any more. Well here you are again the in code is well first access RUN lower left search the web and windows yes thats it now type "netplwiz" I hope this helps every one, it did for me, thank you fo0r looking.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 593 ✭✭✭DERICKOO


    Iv answered everyones question about getting back into windows 10 not easy you sign in to Microsoft and you will have to use same email and password to re access Windows 10 you are locked out and for me i was i use last pass and who remembers passwords any more. Well here you are again the in code is well first access RUN lower left search the web and windows yes thats it now type "netplwiz" I hope this helps every one, it did for me, thank you fo0r looking.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 866 ✭✭✭Maidhci


    My laptop came with Windows 7 Pro preinstalled together with Windows 8 Pro media for future upgrade, if required.

    I am still running Windows 7 and would like to upgrade to Windows 10 at some stage in the near future. As Windows 7 was preinstalled, I do not have a serial number - do I need the Win 7 serial number in order to upgrade to Win 10 OR will the Windows 8 Pro serial number, which is marked on the provided CDs suffice?

    Not sure how to proceed here. Any help will be welcome.

    Thanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,174 ✭✭✭✭Captain Chaos


    You don't need your serial number to upgrade. You will need it if you ever have to wipe your laptop and re install Win10 in the future. During the upgrade process the serial key linked to your laptop becomes the serial key for Win 10. You can never go back to old version unless you go and buy an old product key somewhere.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 866 ✭✭✭Maidhci


    You don't need your serial number to upgrade. You will need it if you ever have to wipe your laptop and re install Win10 in the future. During the upgrade process the serial key linked to your laptop becomes the serial key for Win 10. You can never go back to old version unless you go and buy an old product key somewhere.

    Thank you for that information - just to make sure I understand this correctly, I have two questions:

    1. Assuming I upgrade to Windows 10, will it be possible to revert to Windows 7 via the Windows 7 recovery disk that I created when I purchased the laptop?

    2. In the event that I upgrade, will the Windows 10 serial key become apparent from the upgrade process or after, in the event that I may need to reinstall at some stage?

    Many thanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,879 ✭✭✭✭Andy From Sligo


    I updated yesterday from Win8.1 to Win10 - it upgraded it to Win10 Home edition (on 8.1 it just said windows8.1 with Bing)

    My update was not coming through even though I reserved it so got it from here: (gives you choice of 32 or 64 bit creation)

    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

    I do have option to go back to win8.1 within a month

    If I wanted to go back to 8.1 after that time its a dell laptop and 8.1 can be installed from the protected part of the hard drive (normally partition where the windows installation files are normally invisible when in windows - a lot of laptop/pc manufacturers do this - however I dont think a lot of people would want to go back to windows 8/8.1 because a lot of people didnt like the Tiles and everything in windows 8)

    I have found this windows 10 to be buttery smooth so far. Its early days but i think it will be OK - cannot be any worse than Windows8

    I would advise before you upgrade (or fresh install) to win10 to download a free auditing device from the net something like Belarc advisor and look for the product key (think its top left) and copy the key into notepad and then save the text file onto a USB key (dont save it to your hard drive just in case your hard drive gets wiped) - then if you do install Win10 and it asks for your valid windows key then you have it on the USB stick. Sometimes these labels underneath laptop get worn and you end up cannot reading the key. Some laptop manufacturers put the key password in the battery compartment of the laptop so look there too.

    As a side note if you have an illegal version (naughty you!) of windows 7 or 8 installed and you choose to load to load windows 10 you might find your key wont work and that you might have to purchase (yes buy!) a new key to get windows 10 installed!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,953 ✭✭✭corkie


    For anyone else trying to cleanup there system image with: -

    Dism ......... /restorehealth command!


    I downloaded the windows 10 iso, mounted it and use that as source for the command and it worked.


    I now have a clean system image of Windows 10 backed up!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,953 ✭✭✭corkie


    Windows 10 - Store, Calender, Mail etc won't open! (Greyed out in start menu)


    Try different tips to try a resolve this!

    wsreset - The application can not be started!
    powershell script - tried it did not work.

    I really don't want to be doing a reset of my Laptop, on limited broadband and don't want to reinstall all my apps etc.

    Anyone help would be appreciated!

    Regards
    John


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,879 ✭✭✭✭Andy From Sligo


    Hi does anyone know now why I have 2 Download folders in windows 10 now I have upgraded from 8.1 to 10?

    I want all my downloads to go to just 1 download folder which was c:\users\*user*\Downloads

    but now all my downloads are going to a folder c:\users\*user*\NetHood\Downloads - very confusing!

    I even told firefox to save my downloads to c:\users\*user*\Downloads but its still downloading to NetHood folder!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,953 ✭✭✭corkie




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,879 ✭✭✭✭Andy From Sligo


    Well I'm happy ClassicShell start menu works with Windows 10

    http://www.mediafire.com/download/r3h2yzm4wfjjagm/ClassicShellSetup_4_2_0.exe

    (There is an update to 4.2.1 - but I didnt like the start menu in that so I have stuck with 4.2.0 and chose 'classic with 2 column' start menu - there is a windows 7 start menu as well there )


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,452 ✭✭✭✭The_Valeyard


    Upgrading to win10 now.

    Currently on 20%
    Might go get some sleep. Could be a while.....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 757 ✭✭✭John T Carroll


    Upgrading to win10 now.

    Currently on 20%
    Might go get some sleep. Could be a while.....

    Ditto here.....on 35% just now, it has downloaded this in 32 minutes. Windows 10 hasnt shown up here on this (other) Laptop with Windows 7, I presume it will become available sometime??. I must say though that I had no problems whatsoever with Windows 8.1, hope Windows 10 is bug free.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,074 ✭✭✭pmasterson95


    I'm starting now. Its at "preparing for installation" and going slowly.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 757 ✭✭✭John T Carroll


    Ditto here.....on 35% just now, it has downloaded this in 32 minutes. Windows 10 hasnt shown up here on this (other) Laptop with Windows 7, I presume it will become available sometime??. I must say though that I had no problems whatsoever with Windows 8.1, hope Windows 10 is bug free.

    Finished installation around 1300 hrs with no problems, seems to be working away fine so far... doesnt seem hugely different to 8.1.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Finished installation around 1300 hrs with no problems, seems to be working away fine so far... doesnt seem hugely different to 8.1.

    On the front end it really isnt. W10 can really be considered an optimized 8.1.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,369 ✭✭✭henke


    Anyone experiencing any bugs with Windows 10? One I have that did work before is the Search function. It's returning no results. It did before :(.

    Also, is anyone else's Start Menu a fixed width? I can't re-size with the width on mine only the height?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 951 ✭✭✭andrewdeerpark


    OK I have 2 failed product key activations from a fresh install of Windows 10. 1 is a dell Windows 8, other a new Lenovo windows 8.1. Both failed the upgrade method so I had no choice but to embark on the boot via USB and clean install method.

    Firstly I saved the key embedded in the BIOS using produkey to notepad for both devices. Both would not accept the key initially (anyway why is the install not reading the key from the BIOS and not bothering with that prompt) when booting during the 1st screens, and performing a fresh install so I skipped. The help in Microsoft says this is simple and should work, this is plain wrong.

    Anyway both systems at a not activated stage tried changing key no joy as for MS activation support a waste of time. One agent hung up on me the other said wait 48 hours!

    I believe there are serious issues with activation on fresh install upgrades that are not being addressed plus MS does not specify how to extract the key from the BIOS on devices, just BS find the label and write it down (advice that only applies on Windows 7 devices). At the very least Microsoft should have an official tool to provide the key from the BIOS.

    When you get it installed Wndows 10 is fine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 772 ✭✭✭maki


    OK I have 2 failed product key activations from a fresh install of Windows 10. 1 is a dell Windows 8, other a new Lenovo windows 8.1. Both failed the upgrade method so I had no choice but to embark on the boot via USB and clean install method.

    Firstly I saved the key embedded in the BIOS using produkey to notepad for both devices. Both would not accept the key initially (anyway why is the install not reading the key from the BIOS and not bothering with that prompt) when booting during the 1st screens, and performing a fresh install so I skipped. The help in Microsoft says this is simple and should work, this is plain wrong.

    Anyway both systems at a not activated stage tried changing key no joy as for MS activation support a waste of time. One agent hung up on me the other said wait 48 hours!

    I believe there are serious issues with activation on fresh install upgrades that are not being addressed plus MS does not specify how to extract the key from the BIOS on devices, just BS find the label and write it down (advice that only applies on Windows 7 devices). At the very least Microsoft should have an official tool to provide the key from the BIOS.

    When you get it installed Wndows 10 is fine.

    What you're trying to do isn't going to work. Windows 10 can't be activated with a 7 or 8 product key, and Microsoft support seem to be a bit confused about the whole matter too.

    You need to perform the upgrade from your previous OS to 10. When you do Microsoft will create an identifier from your hardware configuration and store it on their servers saying "yes this person has upgraded within the first year", and assign you a generic Windows 10 key (TX9XD-98N7V-6WMQ6-BX7FG-H8Q99 for Home, VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T for Pro.
    Then when you clean install Windows 10 later and skip the product key prompts (forcing the generic key to be used), Microsoft will check on their servers to see if your hardware has a licence, and activate it if so. This also means hardware changes will likely break Windows 10 activations for people who took the free upgrade.

    So until you actually perform the upgrade, you won't be able to grab a Windows 10 licence.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 866 ✭✭✭Maidhci


    maki wrote: »
    What you're trying to do isn't going to work. Windows 10 can't be activated with a 7 or 8 product key, and Microsoft support seem to be a bit confused about the whole matter too.

    You need to perform the upgrade from your previous OS to 10. When you do Microsoft will create an identifier from your hardware configuration and store it on their servers saying "yes this person has upgraded within the first year", and assign you a generic Windows 10 key (TX9XD-98N7V-6WMQ6-BX7FG-H8Q99 for Home, VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T for Pro.
    Then when you clean install Windows 10 later and skip the product key prompts (forcing the generic key to be used), Microsoft will check on their servers to see if your hardware has a licence, and activate it if so. This also means hardware changes will likely break Windows 10 activations for people who took the free upgrade.

    So until you actually perform the upgrade, you won't be able to grab a Windows 10 licence.

    This is very interesting - I read in some review that once activated, it would be possible to create a DVD or USB copy of Windows 10 for future use?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 951 ✭✭✭andrewdeerpark


    What key are the asking for on a clean install so?

    That's all well and good however in cases where the upgrade just will not work and the only option is a clean boot, format and reinstall (what is the point of the ISO/USB creations tool) what are the options? Microsoft need to address these situations as its obvious when you buy a device from an OEM with the BIOS embedded key you are entitled to the upgrade provided you match the versions correctly.

    I am going to give the current device 48 hours then pester the activation lines, hopefully a few more will do the same and it will force Microsoft into a better system for cleans installs where the upgrade has failed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 772 ✭✭✭maki


    Maidhci wrote: »
    This is very interesting - I read in some review that once activated, it would be possible to create a DVD or USB copy of Windows 10 for future use?

    You can, once activated from an upgrade. After that you clean install and it will detect that you've previously upgraded and activate.
    What key are the asking for on a clean install so?

    That's all well and good however in cases where the upgrade just will not work and the only option is a clean boot, format and reinstall (what is the point of the ISO/USB creations tool) what are the options? Microsoft need to address these situations as its obvious when you buy a device from an OEM with the BIOS embedded key you are entitled to the upgrade provided you match the versions correctly.

    I am going to give the current device 48 hours then pester the activation lines, hopefully a few more will do the same and it will force Microsoft into a better system for cleans installs where the upgrade has failed.

    On a clean install they're asking for a key from customers who purchased Windows 10 from retail (or got a key through MSDN/DreamSpark). The Media Creation Tool is also primarily directed towards the same group of customers.

    If Windows Update isn't working you can try to upgrade using the Media Creation Tool, and selecting "upgrade this pc". If that doesn't work you likely have a problem in your own OS, and will have to try to fix that. Worst case scenario you can do a clean install of your current OS, and upgrade from that.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 866 ✭✭✭Maidhci


    maki wrote: »
    You can, once activated from an upgrade. After that you clean install and it will detect that you've previously upgraded and activate.

    Thank you for that clarification - presumably it is the relevant generic key, outlined in your earlier post, that will be used to reinstall?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 951 ✭✭✭andrewdeerpark


    maki wrote: »
    If Windows Update isn't working you can try to upgrade using the Media Creation Tool, and selecting "upgrade this pc". If that doesn't work you likely have a problem in your own OS, and will have to try to fix that. Worst case scenario you can do a clean install of your current OS, and upgrade from that.

    There is hours of work in all that (do people value their time!) instead of a simple format reinstall and reactivate from the OEM key in the BIOS proving license and entitlement. I know your not microsoft but that route is just daft. I should note one of the failed upgrades was on a brand new lenovo PC that had nothing installed except the windows updates and the mcafee software removed pre upgrade attempt. OEM Windows 8.1 OS could not be the issue...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 772 ✭✭✭maki


    Maidhci wrote: »
    Thank you for that clarification - presumably it is the relevant generic key, outlined in your earlier post, that will be used to reinstall?

    Yes, when you skip the product key entry screen during install, Windows will use a generic key. When it tries to activate it will see the generic key, which causes it to query some server to see if that computer has previously upgraded from Windows 7 or 8 within the one year time limit.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 866 ✭✭✭Maidhci


    maki wrote: »
    Yes, when you skip the product key entry screen during install, Windows will use a generic key. When it tries to activate it will see the generic key, which causes it to query some server to see if that computer has previously upgraded from Windows 7 or 8 within the one year time limit.

    Thanks maki for that information. It appears therefore that the Windows 10 upgrade licence, if that is the correct term, will be computer specific?

    I would have thought that having created a backup DVD copy, post upgrade, that it should be possible to use that media to do a complete reinstall, say in the event that a new HD was installed or some similar eventuality?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 772 ✭✭✭maki


    Maidhci wrote: »
    Thanks maki for that information. It appears therefore that the Windows 10 upgrade licence, if that is the correct term, will be computer specific?

    I would have thought that having created a backup DVD copy, post upgrade, that it should be possible to use that media to do a complete reinstall, say in the event that a new HD was installed or some similar eventuality?

    It's computer specific in the sense that the licence is associated with a specific hardware configuration. It's not clear how exactly the pairing is done and what components are used to generate the hardware ID. I would doubt hard drives are considered, so I assume a hard drive change won't invalidate your licence, but something like a motherboard change certainly will.

    In the case of the latter, you'd have to reinstall and activate Windows 7 or 8, then upgrade to 10 again to refresh your hardware ID as valid. Of course, once the one year free upgrade window has passed, this won't be possible.

    At the end of the day, people who availed of the free upgrade don't exactly have the same freedom as people who bought a proper Windows 10 licence from retail.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 866 ✭✭✭Maidhci


    maki wrote: »
    It's computer specific in the sense that the licence is associated with a specific hardware configuration. It's not clear how exactly the pairing is done and what components are used to generate the hardware ID. I would doubt hard drives are considered, so I assume a hard drive change won't invalidate your licence, but something like a motherboard change certainly will.

    In the case of the latter, you'd have to reinstall and activate Windows 7 or 8, then upgrade to 10 again to refresh your hardware ID as valid. Of course, once the one year free upgrade window has passed, this won't be possible.

    At the end of the day, people who availed of the free upgrade don't exactly have the same freedom as people who bought a proper Windows 10 licence from retail.

    Thanks again for your clarification in these matters.

    I think the factors discussed here will be a major deterrent for W7 / W8 users in opting to upgrade to Windows 10. It appears to me, at any rate, that effectively, by upgrading, users are essentially converting a purchased Windows software licence, if relevant, to the equivalent of OEM installed software, which is not as flexible or adaptable by any standard.

    I had understood, obviously incorrectly, that Miscrosoft were "pushing" W10 upgrade to existing W7 and W8 users. I think I am now convinced that it is better to hold onto W7 Pro and let it run its course - I am of course presuming that upgrading to W10 is not mandatory and that W7 will still be supported. All very interesting. Thanks again for your help here.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,879 ✭✭✭✭Andy From Sligo


    I am finding myself that Windows 10 is taking longer to boot up than my 8.1 that came on my dell laptop :( - windows 8.1 on my laptop was much faster at getting to the start screen from when turning on or restarting. Shall have to check the startup items in msconfig and see whats causing the delay.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 757 ✭✭✭John T Carroll


    I am finding myself that Windows 10 is taking longer to boot up than my 8.1 that came on my dell laptop :( - windows 8.1 on my laptop was much faster at getting to the start screen from when turning on or restarting. Shall have to check the startup items in msconfig and see whats causing the delay.

    I was just browsing through Settings and in the Recovery section of Update&Security and I see that I can revert back to 8.1 by clicking "Get Started"
    it states that this option is only available for a month, so far my only big gripe with Windows 10 is that there is no option to stop any updates.
    I wonder if one opted to back to Windows 8.1 (or Windows 7, if applicable) if one can then again download Windows 10 for free before the year expires?.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,879 ✭✭✭✭Andy From Sligo


    ...so far my only big gripe with Windows 10 is that there is no option to stop any updates....

    I think you can stop if you set your network settings to "Metered connection" and disable the service: 'Windows Update" in services -as for wether you can un-install and go back to windows 8 and then back to win 10 at a later date I dont know for certain, but i dont see why you couldnt do that


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,136 ✭✭✭✭How Soon Is Now


    Starting to really piss me off now!!

    Ive had display issues with three different Nvidia cards now nothing ive tried seems to fix it.

    I only just bought a new card in last few days thinking it would fix the issue as well. It actually did at first but it seems its back again now!!

    What is happening is certain sections of windows are been shaded in color or been made darker. The first thing i notice is the login screen when i boot up is a lot darker to the point i cant see my name or what im typing on the screen or any of the white font with time and date etc.

    Then theres shading issues when i right click on certain sections of windows everything just looks blank inside the box.

    Updating drivers fixs it but it just reverts back each and every time.

    Ive tried disabling updates ive tried running only windows updates for the drivers and not nvidias i dunno what else i can do.

    It sounds like a small issue but its driving me crazy that a lot of what im using is shaded out or darkened for no bloody reason. It affects the quality of picture as well.


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