"Working on it..." Message for over 18 hours

I had to do the download overnight. For the next step, the Working on it sign was on for over 18 hours. That was also overnight. I really think something was wrong. I also hate to leave the laptop plugged in for that long. Do you think I should try again?



QUOTE=Joergi;375122]I have seen a user, who had to wait more than a whole night at that point. He also believed that it had somehow got stuck, but after the night it said that Windows could then be downloaded now.

So: It is annoying that you cannot see, if there is any progress, but it might really help to just wait, also if it's long...[/QUOTE]

What is the difference between backing up files on a flash drive and using a backup device? Also, if I delete the download now, will I be able to download it again later? If it doesn't install now, why would it be any different in a few months? I do want to upgrade.

bobkn said:

That's good news. I was worried that the failed upgrade might leave the machine in a state where it couldn't boot.

I doubt that you need to do anything about the already downloaded files. If you insist on getting rid of them, see:

Prevent the Windows 10 upgrade from installing after making your reservation | Windows 10 content from SuperSite for Windows

(In short: run the Disk Cleanup tool, which is in Accessories/System Tools. Choose "clean up system files", and check the box to delete "temporary installation files".)

I'm not sure how much point there is in waiting a few months. There may be a few bugs that'll be squashed by then, but the main problems people seem to be having is with drivers, or the upgrade not installing quite right.

What I'd really wait for is getting a backup device. Best Buy has a 1TB Seagate backup drive on sale now for about $60. That may not be a great choice, but it's an inexpensive one. I believe that it comes with all the software you'd need. There re doubtlessly better deals out there; I got a 3TB drive a few months ago from Costco for around $120. It'd be cheaper now.

Kathy2852 said:

What is the difference between backing up files on a flash drive and using a backup device? Also, if I delete the download now, will I be able to download it again later? If it doesn't install now, why would it be any different in a few months? I do want to upgrade.

There is no difference. A backup device just is any hardware to store a backup on: It can be a harddisk, a USB flash drive, a DVD, a CD or your loved floppy disks. The important thing just is that you have a backup, which is outside of that PC.

I don't know, if that small little flag icon in the taskbar still works, if you delete the downloaded files. But, yes, you will always be able to download the installation files again using the Media Creation Tool from the tutorial I linked you above. That way you will also be able to start the installation process - without needing this small little flag.

The difference between installing now and in a few months is not the download. This download will be identical. What will make a difference though is that the installer during installation will automatically get the newest Windows Updates and will directly integrate them into your installation. That way, if you install in a few months, you will directly have a few bugfixes, which have not yet been released today. I personally have upgraded a few PCs a month ago already and it worked out nicely. What I would really take care of is what this little flag icon in the taskbar tells you, whether your PC would be ready, or if there would be any problems with programs or with drivers. If it complains about something, this would be, what I would fix first or where I would wait for a fix. If it lists nothing and if I wanted to upgrade, I would go ahead.

Thank you for you time and patience. I do have my files backed up. I didn't get any complaints from the installer. I will probably wait a month or so and try again. Now I understand why my local repair shop told me to wait.

Kathy2852 said:

Thank you for you time and patience. I do have my files backed up. I didn't get any complaints from the installer. I will probably wait a month or so and try again. Now I understand why my local repair shop told me to wait.

There are several ways to back up.

You can keep copies of critical files. That doesn't require the use of any special software. If your Windows installation was messed up, you could recover, but you'd have to re-install the operating system, and all applications. Plus remember some settings.

Or, you can save an image of your current installation. That allows you to restore your exact setup now: operating system, applications, files, and settings. The restore can take less than 10 minutes on fast hardware.

Maybe your online installation will go better in a month's time, if the problem was due to some problem with the upgrade software that Microsoft will patch. Or not. I recommend using the Media Creation Tool approach, which will at least break the process up into steps whose progress you can monitor.