Windows 10: Clean Install of OS

I have a Dell PC that is running very slowly on W10

After all usual stuff, clearing junk, defrag etc., still not good enough - as its currently on an old HDD, going to install an SSD for the OS.

Been advised to do a clean install rather than clone across an OS that might have issues.


This SSD will come from another W10 PC (one I'm using today) I will install a new larger SSD in this main PC (using Clone SSD software) so that will be easy enough.


I have 2 questions ....


Do I need to wipe or change something on this SSD before I install in the Dell - is there a boot log or something I need to delete to avoid it trying to boot off this 'wrong OS', or will using install media override that.


The Dell is currently all working on-line, and therefore full valid W10 licenses ... but I have no license code (was upgrade W200 > W7 >W10)


I had to delay upgrade for months as I could not find admin account password .......... I have now found this, so want to 'protect' myself, against being locked out again after upgrade.


How can I get to view the account & license details, I have full access from admin account.



Just don't want to get the 2 OS versions mixed up and end up being locked out of PC.

:)

 

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

 

Best way to keep vista clean and healthy

Yeah just caught it there.

I'm going to attempt to have a step by step guide on how to use these programs efficiently.

 

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