Windows 10 - Tips for anyone keen to do a clean install instead of stick with just an upgrade

This was my process as I messed up and went for a clean install without updating first. insert doh.jpg here

Unplugged all drives except SSD where I wanted to install the OS
Clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro using a USB pen
Activated Windows 8.1 Pro. did not do any updates
Switched USB Pen to one which had Windows 10 ISO
Ran setup from USB Pen, Upgraded to Windows 10
Activated Windows 10
Ran a RESET to refresh the upgrade to a clean install (at this stage I could have rebooted and done a complete fresh install from USB but couldnt be bothered as RESET is like a fresh install anyway
 
From what i have read you dont need to input a product key when doing a clean installation after an upgrade. You just 'skip' the key insertion bits and then the OS gets activated automatically when completed! Its tied to the hardware noted when doing the upgrade.
 
I installed Windows 10 off the ISO I downloaded from the Microsoft website. It installed fine but now it just won't boot properly.. Any ideas? :(
 
Tried doing the reboot of the install on my main drive and its done the same. Keeps freezing when trying to boot. Picture of the windows, circle dotted spinny thing sticks and I have to hard restart.. Thanks Microsoft.
 
Right getting somewhere, I have to unplug all of my USB stuff including mouse and keyboard. Then when I get to the setup I have to disconnect my mouse/keyboard after every step or it hardlocks.. Well done MS.. well done...
 
MrKnifey said:
Right getting somewhere, I have to unplug all of my USB stuff including mouse and keyboard. Then when I get to the setup I have to disconnect my mouse/keyboard after every step or it hardlocks.. Well done MS.. well done...
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Why? Oh Why, do MS have to unveil an OS that is so hard to install? So many issues across the board!
 
I tried the refresh option in the settings but it but it put me back to Windows 8 on my Dell all-in-one. I guess it didn't touch the recovery partitions on the drive for it to do that.

I'm using the media tool to download and create a USB stick to fresh install from that instead now.

Thanks for the steps you used, I'll try the same with mine.
 
With the clean install pointer in the OP you refer to having all the drivers installed and working before you do the fresh install, is there a reason for this, I'm about to format the HDD and do a fresh install but I'm assuming MS will fond all my drivers automatically ..

Thanks
 
Yeh i would like to know this also, as whats the use of having all drivers installed, if your about to format drive and put clean install on, as all drivers will obviously be deleted.
 
Daytrader said:
Thx for guide, can i ask why the need to install and update all drivers if your going to format and reinstall anyway ? cheers
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iMacMart said:
With the clean install pointer in the OP you refer to having all the drivers installed and working before you do the fresh install, is there a reason for this, I'm about to format the HDD and do a fresh install but I'm assuming MS will fond all my drivers automatically ..

Thanks
Click to expand...

Daytrader said:
Yeh i would like to know this also, as whats the use of having all drivers installed, if your about to format drive and put clean install on, as all drivers will obviously be deleted.
Click to expand...

The new activation is linked to your hardware... neither Win 8.1 or 10 found all the drivers for my hardware.

If windows doesn't recognise all the hardware, then it's possible when you do the next re-install with all hardware recognised, that it might reject it as a different PC.

That's why I did that... only took an extra 5-10 minutes or so for me as I already had all the drivers to hand...

Your mileage may vary... if you succeed without doing that, great... this guide was designed for people who are having trouble with the clean install process & this is a step I would be sure to include for anyone having problems.
 
crinkleshoes said:
The new activation is linked to your hardware... neither Win 8.1 or 10 found all the drivers for my hardware.

If windows doesn't recognise all the hardware, then it's possible when you do the next re-install with all hardware recognised, that it might reject it as a different PC.

That's why I did that... only took an extra 5-10 minutes or so for me as I already had all the drivers to hand...

Your mileage may vary... if you succeed without doing that, great... this guide was designed for people who are having trouble with the clean install process & this is a step I would be sure to include for anyone having problems.
Click to expand...

Makes sence now, cheers
 
So it's just a check and balance that you don't have drivers missing on critical items before you take the plunge and fresh install.... Understand now ....

Not sure I cba to fresh install, many years ago I'd have been all over a fresh install, now it just seems time consuming, I'd rather go for a run for an hour or two :)

Thanks
 
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