EULA; UEFI; Product Keys and reverting....

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  1. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #21

    Tabvla said:
    ".....there will be a failsafe within windows 10 that will allow the user to revert back to their previous OS within 30 days. "
    In Windows 7 to 8 upgrades the Windows.old directory was automatically deleted after 4 weeks by cleanmgr.exe

    Windows 8 drivers, Windows.Old files |
    Missing Windows.old folder after upgrade

    If this is the same in Windows 10 (and no-one knows) then your automatic ability to revert would be lost as the windows.old directory wouldn't exist anymore on your C: drive. This is nothing to do with licenses and nothing to do with OEM software - it is only the Windows.old directory is deleted by the OS after a month (in windows 8).

    Best to make a backup IMO. Just before and just after upgrading would be best if you have space.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #22

    Hi there

    As you point out you CAN ALWAYS REVERT. to previous system.

    Before making any changes / updates MAKE A BACKUP IMAGE. !!!!

    I really don't understand how even after so long how so many people just don't understand this --so many people think that after an update you are STUCK with that OS. You can always RESTORE a backed up image of a previous version.

    There are so many FREE decent programs around that it to me is inconceiveable that people don't take backups.

    If it were me I'd not allow anybody to touch a computer until they understood how to make a backup and the first taks after initial boot up should be to take a backup. !!!!

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #23

    I upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10 via the insiders page. Checking my key with showkey, shows a new key that is not the original Windows 7 key or the key listed by Microsoft for that build. That key stayed the same up until build 10130. Showkey showed it as a Windows 8.1 preview key. After upgrading to build 10162 showkey showed yet another new key. It may have happened with build 10158 or 10159, I didn't check it until 10162. This key shows as a Windows 10 Pre-Release key. Windows 10 is not using my previous Windows 7 key. It has its own Windows 10 key. It has been reported that clean installs will be doable after you do the free upgrade. How is one to do a clean install if one doesn't have a product code to enter? Also keep in mind that OEM Windows 7 PC's do not have a product code embedded in the BIOS like OEM Windows 8 PC's do. If you wipe your OEM Windows 7 install, your going to need the product code on the COA sticker to do a reinstall. That or custom branded OEM install media.
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  4. Posts : 95
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #24

    jimbo45 said:
    Hi there

    As you point out you CAN ALWAYS REVERT. to previous system.

    Before making any changes / updates MAKE A BACKUP IMAGE. !!!!

    I really don't understand how even after so long how so many people just don't understand this --so many people think that after an update you are STUCK with that OS. You can always RESTORE a backed up image of a previous version.

    jimbo
    I don't think that the concerns are with regards to Backups or System Images - even non-technical users are often comfortable with creating these. The specific concerns raised in this Thread and with which at least one major OEM agrees, are the concerns around the Product Key imbedded in systems with the UEFI firmware interface.

    Microsoft has provided absolutely NO clarity as to how the W10 upgrade will impact (or not) on imbedded Product Keys. I know that this statement is correct because one of the worlds largest OEM vendors has been unable, up until today, to obtain a clear statement from MS as to how this will work.

    Currently that OEM does not have in place a clear set of instructions with their Support Consultants as to how to advise customers who experience a problem with the imbedded Product Key should the upgrade go wrong or should the customer wish to revert to their previous OS using either the Windows.old file or a System Image that the customer created.

    Perhaps the entire question around the W10 upgrade and imbedded Product Keys is "not a problem". But if that is the case then it would be helpful if MS provided OEM vendors with a clear and unambiguous directive as to how their Support Consultants should provide support in those cases where it is a problem. That directive has not as yet been provided.

    T.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #25

    halasz said:
    In Windows 7 to 8 upgrades the Windows.old directory was automatically deleted after 4 weeks by cleanmgr.exe
    I wasn't aware of that. If so, you can simply disable or delete the scheduled task that does this, and it will be around for as long as you want.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 470
    Windows 10 Pro For Workstations
       #26

    Of course some of the reasons Microsoft are keeping tight lipped about how this is all going to work is possible secrecy to prevent unscrupulous "users" AKA Pirates hacking or circumventing this and creating a valid install where non exist. I am sure if anyone gets an issue Microsoft can look at the telementary and the codes you submit to ensure your install is valid and should be activated. You may just have to phone up and put up with Windows is not activated messages. You have to understand Microsoft have a duty to prevent piracy and at the same time protect valid users who for no fault of their own the upgrade goes wrong. Could be bad sectors on the hard drive, the alignment of the planets and which way the wind blows or even viruses and malware.
    So if you get an issue with Windows 10 after the free upgrade call Microsoft, they will help you or at least point you in the right direction. Windows 10 is very important to them and the last thing they need are cheesed off customers. Bad news travels twice as fast and 10 times further than good news. Me I am sticking to Windows 7 Ultimate mostly but will side grade my Laptop and a couple of desktops to 10 dual booting with 7.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 457
    Windows 10
       #27

    I Think all the to and fro-ing will come to an end in just under Three weeks, we all will or should know more then.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #28

    and to the last two posts above.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 41
    Windows 7 Home Premium
       #29

    Tabvla said:
    I don't think that the concerns are with regards to Backups or System Images - even non-technical users are often comfortable with creating these. The specific concerns raised in this Thread and with which at least one major OEM agrees, are the concerns around the Product Key imbedded in systems with the UEFI firmware interface.

    Microsoft has provided absolutely NO clarity as to how the W10 upgrade will impact (or not) on imbedded Product Keys. I know that this statement is correct because one of the worlds largest OEM vendors has been unable, up until today, to obtain a clear statement from MS as to how this will work.

    Currently that OEM does not have in place a clear set of instructions with their Support Consultants as to how to advise customers who experience a problem with the imbedded Product Key should the upgrade go wrong or should the customer wish to revert to their previous OS using either the Windows.old file or a System Image that the customer created.

    Perhaps the entire question around the W10 upgrade and imbedded Product Keys is "not a problem". But if that is the case then it would be helpful if MS provided OEM vendors with a clear and unambiguous directive as to how their Support Consultants should provide support in those cases where it is a problem. That directive has not as yet been provided.

    T.
    I'm interested in this issue as well as I Clone often (and full-HDD Image less frequently).

    I'm interested in upgrading with the free Win 10 version down the road as I see how the general release progresses and how one can (or can't?) roll back to Win 7 (or 8.1) using independent HDD's.

    For example, I have a Win 7 Home Premium (genuine) OEM version Desktop PC with 2 SATA Hot-Swap Trays installed in the tower.

    I'd like to upgrade to 10 with, say, HDD #1 (after Cloning Win 7 prior to the upgrade to HDD #2), and run on HDD #1 to get familiar with 10 while having the option to shut down the PC (no dual-booting, my MoBo will never see Win 7 & 10 HDD's simultaneously), removing the Win 10 HDD, installing the Win 7 HDD and booting to Win 7 (and vice versa).

    From what I'm reading here so far, it should work. The question I have is regarding the Win 10 "embedding the Prod Key" into firmware (CMOS chip, etc).

    Since I'm running a non-UEFI BIOS MoBo, I'm thinking that this issue doesn't apply to my MoBo and I should be able to run on Win 7 and 10 separately on my Desktop PC.

    Also, since (this is my understanding, perhaps in error?) Win 7 stores the Prod Key in its Registry (vs firmware), I should be ok with what I'm wanting to do with my PC.

    Has anyone here installed a Win 10 build onto one HDD while keeping their previous Win OS on another HDD and done what I'm interesting in doing?

    I know I can use the Image-restore path to revert to Win 7 but I'm interested in the Cloning path using 2 separate HDD's to revert/swap out between 7 and 10.

    I've been reading the Retail license W10 upgrade permanent? thread and admit I'm a little confused about my independent HDD question.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #30

    Yes, Windows 7 does not store the product code in the BIOS. There is OEM activation info in the SLIC table but no product code is stored there. And only motherboards with a custom factory flashed OEM BIOS will have a SLIC table. The product code stored in the registry is useless without the custom matching branded OEM install media. Just so you know. If you reinstall with a regular DVD you will have to use the code on the COA sticker.
      My Computer


 

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