'Upgrade to Windows 10' query

mikephillips · 09 Aug 2015

Probably a dumb question, but I am paranoid about running the install and doing an 'upgrade'. I am cocerned that I may lose some or all of my existing Win7 features and files, but it appears that I must do this to 'activate' my Product key.

I have already installed Win10 as dual boot but of course without doing the 'upgrade', my 'generic' 64 bit Win 10 key (ending 3V66T) will not activate.

The Question - is it quite safe to run this 'upgrade'? I don't think I am alone in finding the way MS have done this confusing!

mikephillips · 10 Aug 2015

In view of no replies, perhaps I should re-phrase the query.

Does anyone know what exactly the 'Upgrade' process does to my Win7 setup? I know it modifies my product key, but does it take away access to any programmes/features/files?

paulsalter · 10 Aug 2015

It will convert your Win 7 into Win 10, all files & programs will remain

as you mention, this is needed to get your free copy, after its upgraded and activated (could take a while to activate), then you can clean install if you wish, as long as its the same pc

teachermark · 10 Aug 2015

Does anyone know what exactly the 'Upgrade' process does to my Win7 setup?

As well as turning your Windows 7 into Windows 10, the upgrade also stores your old Windows 7 so you can go back to it if it goes horribly wrong.

In none of these events are your files and programs in danger of being destroyed... assuming you have a reasonably new computer that can easily handle the hardware demands of the upgrade.

mikephillips · 10 Aug 2015

Thanks, both, machine is pretty 'modern' so with your re-assurance I'll give it a go. Backing up right now.

Just need your addresses so I can 'pop round' if it goes wrong............

Hands up if you think M$ could have done this better?

paulsalter · 10 Aug 2015

Good Luck :)

should be fine, if any issues post back

teachermark · 10 Aug 2015

Just need your addresses so I can 'pop round' if it goes wrong...

I live in Thailand. You're welcome to pop round! :)

Mark Phelps · 10 Aug 2015

Don't believe folks that tell you nothing bad can happen to your programs or data during the upgrade. Something bad can ALWAYS happen -- that's why we do backups ahead of time. I had a laptop upgrade fail and it left the laptop in an unusable state. Took me several days of hard work to restore it to the working condition it was in prior to the attempted upgrade. So, don't tell me nothing bad can happen from the upgrade!

LittleJay · 10 Aug 2015

mikephillips said:

Thanks, both, machine is pretty 'modern' so with your re-assurance I'll give it a go. Backing up right now.

Just need your addresses so I can 'pop round' if it goes wrong............

Hands up if you think M$ could have done this better?

I highly recommend creating a system image on a separate drive, before running the upgrade. That way you can easily put your computer back to the way it was should something go wrong. I personally use Macrium Reflect to create system images.

teachermark · 10 Aug 2015

Don't believe folks that tell you nothing bad can happen to your programs or data during the upgrade...

Well, of course something CAN go wrong. Anything could happen.
That's not really a good reason for not doing the upgrade.

If you have your valuables backed up and you want Windows 10 for free, then unfortunately the only way to get it is to go through the risks inherent with the upgrade process.