I have the same problem. It started after the sr1 update.

Brink,
Thanks. I still see the "we're validating" message today.
I expect that I will follow your recommendations when I am ready to upgrade.

Right now, I am waiting for ancestry.com to update...

Today, Windows 10 is released.
I have not yet gotten a notification from Microsoft.
I have a home-built PC from components. I know that it is good enough for Windows 10.

If you have a home-built...

Thanks.
I got worried after the "Get Windows 10" icon disappeared.
I had forgotten to activate the Ultimate upgrade.
After, I activated Ultimate, the icon came back.

I used to subscribe to Technet before Microsoft discontinued the program.

I have a legal, retail, Windows 7 Premium package that was an upgrade to Vista.

I just used one of my Technet Windows 7...