Windows 10: Reinstalling Windows 10 with a laptop bought second-hand

Discus and support Reinstalling Windows 10 with a laptop bought second-hand in Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade to solve the problem; As you have a working machine, with all the OEM (HP, by the looks of it) drivers it needs, then at a minimum it would be sensible to back up the... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade' started by david1806, Nov 7, 2017.

  1. Bree New Member

    Reinstalling Windows 10 with a laptop bought second-hand


    As you have a working machine, with all the OEM (HP, by the looks of it) drivers it needs, then at a minimum it would be sensible to back up the existing drivers in case they can't easily be found after a clean install.

    *Arrow Backup and Restore Device Drivers in Windows 10

    Personally I would make a system image of the machine as it stands on an external drive so that it can be restored to it's current state if all goes pear-shaped after a clean install. Macrium Reflect (free) is the tool of choice for most on the forum, but there is a built in 'make a system image' in 'Backup & restore (Windows 7)'.
     
  2. zbook New Member

    HP has downloadable software to check the hardware.
    Since it is second hand please perform a baseline check of the hardware using the on board HP tools.
    The software is often available on the HP software and drivers website after entering the computer's serial or product number for downloading.
    This is the latest version UEFI diagnostics 6.4: HP PC Hardware Diagnostics | HP® Official Site
    After the latest software is installed:
    In the evening power on the computer and repetitively click the F2 key.
    It will open the BIOS diagnostics. Run the loop until failure test.
    In the AM if the test is still running that is a good sign.
    The testing is designed to automatically abort for any failure, even the battery. So a fail is also an incomplete test.
    In the AM if it is still running click the keyboard escape key and verify the test results in the log.
    You will then have tested the hardware and installed a fresh copy of the operating system.
     
    zbook, Nov 7, 2017
    #17
  3. Tony K Win User
    That's good it's all legit. BTW, if you have an old 7, 8, or 8.1 Pro key that's not being used (not installed on any other machine), you can enter that to upgrade free of charge. I just did that the other month. Worth a try if you do have. It's on that Activation page in Sttings > Change product key.
     
    Tony K, Nov 7, 2017
    #18
  4. f14tomcat Win User

    Reinstalling Windows 10 with a laptop bought second-hand

    It's already got Win 10 Home 15063.674 on it. Activated and running.

    Reinstalling Windows 10 with a laptop bought second-hand - Windows 10 Forums
     
    f14tomcat, Nov 7, 2017
    #19
  5. Tony K Win User
    "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain". *Wink
     
    Tony K, Nov 7, 2017
    #20
  6. f14tomcat Win User
    And? Has no bearing on what I posted. He's got a running Home activated. If he wants Pro, he'll have to upgrade to Pro, then do a clean install again if he wants. Upgrading from Home to Pro has no bearing on how he clean installs Home, the subject of the thread.
     
    f14tomcat, Nov 7, 2017
    #21
  7. Tony K Win User
    It does if he upgrades first to get the Pro activation, then clean installs Pro.

    BTW, my post wasn't directed you, but rather the OP, so no need to answer to my posts.
     
    Tony K, Nov 7, 2017
    #22
  8. f14tomcat Win User

    Reinstalling Windows 10 with a laptop bought second-hand

    Well, I did not realize I needed your permission to quote a post and reply to it. The OP is some man behind a curtain?
     
    f14tomcat, Nov 7, 2017
    #23
  9. Brink
    Brink New Member
    Reinstalling Windows 10 with a laptop bought second-hand [​IMG]
    Warning Let's keep this discussion friendly shall we.
     
    Brink, Apr 4, 2018
    #24
Thema:

Reinstalling Windows 10 with a laptop bought second-hand

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