Windows 7 & Windows 8 Users Can Now Upgrade to Windows 10

Hi there

SSD with a SATA==>USB2 or USB3 connector works just fine if you want to run a VM without changing anything on your laptop.

Actually using an SSD I find using a LINUX system as host on the external SSD (Windows to go is another solution but you need Enterprise for that) with a Windows VM works just fine. Even on a USB2 connection response time of the VM is better than a HOST system running on a conventional HDD.

Most laptop HDD's are pretty horrendous as far as performance is concerned but they are decently rugged though.

I mention Linux as it's simple to get a bootable OS on the external drive and can run totally from the external drive even if there's no INTERNAL HDD working. Windows to Go if you have Enterprise makes another decent alternative for running a VM from an external device.

Cheers
jimbo

Jesse Williams said:

Its a 1 TB Hard Drive with 4 GB DDR3 Memory.
Yes, I have joined the Insider program. This will not interfere with my system, will it?

You're right to question, it's your system.

No the Insider Program will not interfere. But it will allow you to download the ISO and send feedback to MS.

Jesse, I'll be careful with your new Win8.1 machine.

Jesse Williams said:

Not seeing Hyper-V.

How far did you get in the Hyper-V tutorial I linked for you?
Did you get to the part where you have to Add new features to Windows?

There might be another step in BIOS, but please tell me where you are ... every time you ask a question.

It doesn't have to be a full recap, just what you're doing at the moment. The information will be available in all of your posts.

So far, all I know is that you've posted the information (memory & Disk management) plus joined the Insider Program.
Did you download the Win10.iso?
20 questions is not the way I want to do this, ok?

It will take a very long time if I have to type questions to get answers you should be providing. I am a two finger typist with poor eyesight. Let's set some ground rules that should make this better for both of us.

I give you information and guidance

You give me feedback and ask question specific to the step you're attempting, as well as feedback on steps you have completed. Using the tutorial steps should make that real easy
For example "I completed steps 1, 2, and 3 without any issues, but I don't understand step 4"
or "I completed steps 1, 2, and 3 without any issues, but step 4 failed with this message (or error code)" - screenshots of the error are important and save time.

The memory info and screen shot are great.

I'd like you PUBLISH a Speccy report that will detail the system you'll use for the Hyper-V machine.
See: Speccy - Publish Snapshot of your System Specs - Windows 7 Help Forums

Bill
.

While I was typing it looks as though you're getting plenty of good ideas.

Choice requires a decision - the ball is in your court Jesse. Pick one and ask the person who recommended it to walk you through the process.

Your thread, your machine, your decision. How to decide?
I've already laid out the plans for Hyper-V, other members can provide you with details on the other options.

Then flip a coin

I think I am going to be patient and wait on the full complete version of Windows 10. I will then upgrade to it.

AddRAM said:

Jesse, the best thing you can do, and what I recommend, is to get another hard drive, or a 120 GB ssd and hook it up to your desktop. Do not fool with your laptop.

Disconnect your 8.1 drive (just the power and data cables),and connect and install the Preview on the new drive.

This will give you the best possible experience .

VMs suck for testing.

Did you burn the 9926 build to dvd yet ?

And memory is so cheap now, there is no reason not to have at least 8 GB in the desktop. That is of course if it supports at least 8 GB.

Post the exact make and model of the desktop and I will look up the specs.

AddRAM, how do I find my specs?

@ Jesse:
Why don't you dual boot it on your desktop?