Windows 10: Clean install options

Hi, first post here, seems like an amiable and knowledgeable bunch. Hi to all!

On an ASUS 64-bit desktop, I'm running 8.1 (build 9600) 32-bit and want to move to W10 in 64-bit, because so many things now just don't work with 32-bit systems. I know an upgrade is not possible and am debating how to do a clean 10 install. I read the excellent tutorial here on clean W10 installs, and it seems complicated -- with a lot of opportunities for mischief. I'm wondering if a few seeming alternatives are possible and less complicated...

1. Reformat the hard drive, wiping off everything, and then install 10 from a DVD. This I think I can do. I mean, how hard can it be?

2. Partition the hard drive (if needed) and load W10 on a different drive, then migrate everything personal from C: to the new drive and then wipe 8.1 off my machine (oh happy day) by formatting C: or whatever. I have never done all this, but it does not seem difficult with modern formatting software. Not sure how to make the machine boot to W10 on the new drive, though.

3) Buy and install a new hard drive and just load 10 on it.

The unlisted alternative is to have the clean install done by someone who knows what they are doing, but I'm new in this small town and don't know one. And I have known a couple of disastrously bad computer techs in my day. Obviously, I'm not much of a gear head.

What do you folks think?

:)

 

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

 

Windows 10 infinite restart black screen


The tutorials provided are just a list of troubleshooting steps. Use only the steps which apply to you.

Since none of the troubleshooting steps here worked, I'd suggest you do a Clean install.

John

 

is threre clean Install option in Windows 8 Pro?

so it doesn't have to be a full retail or system builder copy to get the clean install
option?