Windows 10: Clean Install of Windows 10

The USB is showing as drive M in file explorer but, when I run the media tool it then says it can't find the USB stick.


Should I be transferring the ISO from the download file to the USB stick first?

 

If you have the ISO file, there is no need to run the Media Creation Tool. The main purpose of the Media Creation Tool is to download the ISO file.

 

OK so if I just use the ISO file, what is the best way to get it on to the USB stick, can I just copy and paste it? Once I have done that, presumably I can just boot from the USB and install as normal.

I think that I need to download WinZip or similar first don't I?

 

You could download 7-zip its free program and works very well. Lots of us use it.
Download

 

PLEASE WAIT! I have posted how to do it twice now! Why not just try to follow the directions already posted? Bluenose1940 lists his operating system as Windows 8.1. In his OP he states that he clean installed Windows 10 and wants to do it again. Whether he has Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, both of those operating systems have ISO mounting built in. There is no need to use an external program!

You don't copy over the ISO file. You don't need any third party program. Why not just follow the instructions I have posted twice now? Here it is a THIRD time!

 

Sorry NavyLCDR, I have tried to follow that instruction a couple of times but when I right click on the ISO file I do not have the option to click on MOUNT
Here is what I get with a right click
Open
Run as administrator
CRC SHA
Scan with defender
Open with
Share with
]Scan with Malwarebytes
send to
cut
copy
create shortcut
delete
rename
properties

 

Try using this link to restore your mount option
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3...dows-10-a.html

 

I also looked up your Dell computer according to your spec's you have listed. Here is what Dell says about that model.

Studio XPS 7100
Product not tested for Windows 10 upgrade
Dell is not testing or developing Windows 10 drivers for this product. If you choose to upgrade, some features, applications, and connected devices may not work as expected.

 

Probably because you have izarc installed. If OldMike's suggestion does not work, try uninstalling izarc and then try OldMike's suggestion again. Unless you are working with rar files or making/modifying your own ISO files, there is no need to have a third party zip/unzip or ISO program installed with Windows 10 - Windows 10 will do everything most users need with zip and ISO files by itself.

 

I have run the link at #20 and the message tells me that it has been successfully added but it hasn't. I have tried rebooting the pc but the MOUNT option is still not there.

I have tried a restart and a shutdown and switch back on but it is still not there. I have even gone into settings and reset the apps to the Microsoft default and it is still not there.

getting close to pulling my hair out.

 

I would try this little program, then. I just installed it on my laptop and it seems legit. You will want to make sure to check the Bootable block. You want to leave it as FAT32.
ISO to USB

I think your current issue is that you have installed some software that you don't want that came included with other software that you intended to install and the unwanted software is interfering with Windows 10.

 

I think that you are absolutely correct in what you say NavyLCDR, and is precisely why I am trying to do a reinstall. Am I going to be able to overcome this do you think?

 

Did you try the ISO to USB program? Other solutions would be to use another computer to create the Windows 10 installation USB flash drive, borrow a Windows 10 installation USB flash drive from someone, try creating a DVD instead of a USB flash drive (if you have a writeable DVD disc drive), or try an in-place repair install:

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade - Windows 10 Forums

Well....except the in-place repair install requires that you are able to mount an ISO file which seems like something (probably the izarc program) is preventing.

 

Yes I tried the ISO to USB programme and all was fine until it said that the USB must be formatted first, it then gave me the option to format but then a message said that it couldn't do it. I then went into File explorer and formatted it there and then tried the programme again but it still wouldn't have it.

 

Well NavyLCDR, the ISO to USB prog seems to have done something.

Does this look right to you? (Hopefully the image will appear ok)