copy win 10 installation usb to DVD?

My aging PC will not boot to usb. Can I copy it to DVD?

tcebob

The issue would be the hidden files/formatting that makes a disc bootable. It's best to download an .iso file that is used to create that bootable DVD on a blank DVD-R or DVD+R disc, don't use the RW discs. Check the Tutorials section on the where and how-to.

OK, I see the problem. But how can I cold install an .iso without a product key? Or can I reuse my present key?

tcebob said:

...how can I cold install an .iso without a product key? Or can I reuse my present key?

What 'present key' and what OS is it for? You don't say what OS the 'aging PC' currently has, or if it has ever been upgraded to Windows 10 before. Do you even know if it will run Windows 10? The only PC I have that's so old it pre-dates booting from USB also has a processor that it lacks some of the features needed to meet Win10 minimum requirements.

Windows 10 can be installed without a key, it just won't activate. It will still run though, but there are some restrictions - you won't be able to set a wallpaper and your desktop will have a 'not activated' message on it. Normal practice for a clean install on a machine that has been activated before is to click 'I don't have one' when asked for a key. It will then be activated automatically once it contacts the Microsoft activation servers.

Ok, this quick question has blossomed into a detailed one:

I am currently running windows 10 Pro / 14965 insider on Emachines ET1161 circa 2007, AMD LE1620, 32 bit. 3G memory.

The installation has developed some anomalies (which I have previously posted). They include an inability to edit in some windows like the rename inside a toolbar and cmd and Power Shell which will not hold settings such as font and color. Also BSD happens now and then. with no apparent reason. These problems have survived since I upgraded from Win 7 Pro, using a usb version of Win 10 home. Because I had previously been upgraded by MS, they converted the home version to pro as an update. I have tried all the recommended repairs without any luck.

It appears that the only ways to fix the problems would be either to install the 14695 Insider iso cold or install the Win10 home usb. But we've ruled out the usb. Or download and install a non-insider version. Is that still possible?

tcebob

Bree said:

Windows 10 can be installed without a key, it just won't activate. It will still run though, but there are some restrictions - you won't be able to set a wallpaper and your desktop will have a 'not activated' message on it. Normal practice for a clean install on a machine that has been activated before is to click 'I don't have one' when asked for a key. It will then be activated automatically once it contacts the Microsoft activation servers.

.
The only one I had to do a clean install required logging into the Microsoft Account of the owner before it activated.

I would recommend you download just the plain Windows 10 released ISO from here:
Microsoft Windows 10 ISO Download

The just plain Windows 10 ISO file will contain both Home and Pro versions. With no product key, it will ask you which one you want to install. You should be able to skip entering the product key and it will activate based on the previous digital license for that computer stored on Microsoft activation servers.

After you get the ISO file, in Windows 10 you can just right click on it and select Burn to disc to make a DVD from it.

One of my computers refuses to boot from a USB flash drive, even though the BIOS has an option for it and the DVD worked just fine.

tcebob said:

It appears that the only ways to fix the problems would be either to install the 14695 Insider iso cold or install the Win10 home usb. But we've ruled out the usb...

You may be able to rule it back in. You just need something else you can boot from first so you can get to a command prompt. Then you can run the Setup on the USB. Windows 10 still has the means to make a Recovery CD, but it's well hidden. Try WinKey+R and run recdisc.exe - it makes a recovery drive on a CD.

NavyLCDR said:

I would recommend you download just the plain Windows 10 released ISO from here:
Microsoft Windows 10 ISO Download

The just plain Windows 10 ISO file will contain both Home and Pro versions. With no product key, it will ask you which one you want to install. You should be able to skip entering the product key and it will activate based on the previous digital license for that computer stored on Microsoft activation servers.

After you get the ISO file, in Windows 10 you can just right click on it and select Burn to disc to make a DVD from it.

One of my computers refuses to boot from a USB flash drive, even though the BIOS has an option for it and the DVD worked just fine.

Thank you very much. (I shoulda known.) Ver 1607 is currently downloading.

Bree said:

You may be able to rule it back in. You just need something else you can boot from first so you can get to a command prompt. Then you can run the Setup on the USB. Windows 10 still has the means to make a Recovery CD, but it's well hidden. Try WinKey+R and run recdisc.exe - it makes a recovery drive on a CD.

Recdisc will require a "system image." I assume that means an ISO. Or Recdisc will include a command prompt before asking for a system image?

I'll make the recovery disc and find out.