Windows 10: Clean install Windows 10 and keep my Windows 8.1 partition?

Since I had trouble with the upgrade with Windows 10 running very slow i'd like to try a clean install, but i'm weary because I am afraid it will wipe my 8.1 main partition and not roll back. I'm using this as a guide, but need to make sure i'm doing this properly. How to install Windows 10 - clean install, dual boot or VM | Expert Reviews

Am I? Thanks for any help.
Matt

:)

 

Windows 10 install and reinstall process?

Hello all,

Just a quick question. When I receive my windows 10 upgrade for my windows 8.1 PC, what happens if I need to re-install windows with a clean install. Will I still get to keep windows 10 and just use my windows 8.1 product key?

 

Windows 10 upgrade from Windows 8

Can I upgrade from Windows 8 (not 8.1) to Windows 10 with an ISO created with the "media creation tool" with the option "keep files and apps" ?

I don't want to do a clean install to keep my drivers

 

Windows 10 - Dual Boot with Windows 7 or Windows 8 - Windows 10 Forums

 

Hi there.

If you have more than ONE HDD (SSD) in your computer then why even go for a "conventional" dual boot.

Simply install Windows on a second HDD (or a partition on the second HDD) and at boot time use the BIOS boot menu to select which HDD you want to boot from. Usually there's a quick BOOT preference menu rather than having to go into the full BIOS setup.

Much easier than the traditional "Dual boot" - especially if you also add any Linux systems into the mix. Advantage is that both HDD's are totally untouched -- you aren't interfering with the boot sectors of either HDD. Further if you have to replace one of the HDD's you don't lose boot ability of the other OS either.

I'd also look at running a VM for one of the OS'es unless you absolutely have to have both OS'es running on physical hardware. VM software these days really is extremely good and the performance overhead is fairly minimal. Unless you are an extreme gamer even 3D and graphics has been considerably enhanced on VM's.

I'm running a MEZZMO movie / multi-media / internet TV streamer totally successfully from a Windows VM running on a Linux Host. (I know there are loads of decent Linux multi-media streamers but Mezzmo is the only one I've found that handles subtitles decently and it's only available on Windows.

Cheers
jimbo

 

If you're going that route you may as well just add the boot record to W7 using EasyBCD, then you don't have to keep booting into the BIOS.

 

Fwiw: (for whatever it's worth)

Testing a new OS can go a lot easier, simpler and faster if you just do all testing on a second PC.
That way, your everyday OS is never in jeopardy of being messed around with. (or erased)

I'm testing Windows 10 TP on two different laptops..... X86 on an old Dell and x64 on a newer HP.
All installs are done from a DVD, with a CLEAN Install.

My main PC, running Windows 8.1, Pro, is not affected in any way, by my testing. *Smile *Smile

Each time I upgrade to a new build, I do a clean install from a DVD, and let the installer RE-Format the C: partition on the drive I'm installing to.

I'm not sure that my way is the best way.....but it "works for me", and I've never had my main OS damaged in any way, by all my testing.

Cheers Mates!
*Cool

 

If I can get my lenovo desktop up and running (Intel I3 with a TB HD and 4 GB ram) i'll put it on that.