Windows 10: 8.1 clean install, upgrade to 10

I have to perform a clean install of Windows 8.1. Can I bypass that installation if I know I'll be upgrading to 10.Note: this PC came from HP. So I don't have a key.Thanks in advance.

:)

 

Clean Install Workaround for Vista

You may remember this news story on techPowerUp! a couple of days ago relating to the lack of clean installs when using the Upgrade Editions of Vista, which required an old OS to be installed. However, Paul Thurrott has managed to find a workaround for this issue, which ironically lets users do a clean install Vista without any previous version of Windows, albeit a little tedious. Here are the steps:

• Boot from the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD as normal
• When prompted for a product code, leave this blank
• Select the version of Vista you have purchased and let Vista install
• When you boot to your desktop for the first time, run the Vista setup from Windows
• This time enter your product key
• When asked whether you want to do an Upgrade of Custom install, select custom and choose a clean install
• Windows will now install for a second time and you should be able to activate it

Remember, these steps are only advised for use in order to achieve a clean install of Vista, it is only legal to use the upgrade editions if you have previously purchased the appropriate version of Windows.

Source: DailyTech

 

No More Clean-Installs for Vista Upgrades

When users were upgrading to Windows XP, the procedure was that users could simply insert their old Windows 98 or Windows 2000 CD at the appropriate time during a clean install without the need for the old OS to be installed at the time. However, Microsoft has decided to change this for Vista, and now requires a fully installed and activated version of your old OS already on the machine. This comes as an attempt to prevent illegal use of upgrade CDs, but could be inconvenient and time consuming when the time comes to reinstall. The new procedure for a reinstall is as follows:

• Install your old copy of Windows XP
• Activate it either online or over the phone
• Install Vista

Source: DailyTech

 

Upgrading and clean install Windows 10

For anyone wishing to upgrade to Windows 10:

• Before you upgrade, back up all your files (and perhaps save bookmarks from web browsers).
• Uninstall any Cisco VPN client software.
• Upgrade to Windows 10.

Note 1: Do not skip step 1. It is absolutely essential!

Note 2: If anyone has any issues with the upgrade, it is possible to roll back to your previous Windows edition (only valid for one month from upgrade!). To roll back:

• Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery
• Under "Go back to Windows 7/8" click on "Get Started"

I would strongly recommend doing a clean install AFTER upgrading (if you try a clean install WITHOUT upgrading first you will need to buy a new product key!). To do this:

• Go to microsoft(dot)com/en-us/software-download/windows10 to download the utility (32 bit or 64 bit dependent on the architecture of your system).
• Click on "Create installation media for another PC".
• Check the "ISO" box and choose the location (perhaps desktop).
• Open the ISO once it has downloaded and follow on-screen instructions. Make sure you select "Keep Nothing" as you go through the utility.
• After Windows 10 finishes installing, go to Start > Search for "Disk Clean-Up"
• Open Disk Clean-Up and click Ok on your hard drive.
• Click "Clean up system files" and click Ok on your hard drive.
• Check Previous Windows Installation(s) (optional: Select other checkboxes you see appropriate).
• Click Ok.
• Copy your files back on to the PC and reinstall software.