Windows 7 to 10 Upgrade - SSD question

Hi everyone,

I am a member from sevenforums and this is me just getting going here on tenforums.

My PC is a bit 'sick' at the moment. I run Windows 7 and people in work have suggested I just update to Windows 10. So it is a perfect time to do this I feel!

I wanted to ask a question about my current SSD. I currently have the Samsung SM841N in my PC.
Would you recommend going ahead and performing the upgrade on this SSD or to buy a more up to date one like this:

Samsung 512 GB 860 Pro Sata III 64L V NAND Solid State Drive,MZ-76P512B/EU: Amazon.co.uk: Computers Accessories

Thanks :)

Paul

Just another question. Is there a guide like this here for Windows 10? That describes all stuff AFTER installation, anti-virus etc.

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 - Windows 7 Help Forums

Thanks!

Paul

Clean Install Windows 10

There may be some additional complications if your Windows 7 license is OEM. Older PCs used SLP, which required a custom windows installer. I think that you'd have to do an upgrade install of Win10 on that, after which you would have a digital license that would permit you to do a clean install. Newer PCs with OEM licenses have a license code embedded in their BIOSes. That may permit a clean install on the first go.

The Win10 free upgrade program is officially over, but unofficially I believe that free upgrades are still being performed.

If you want a new SSD, buy one. My suggested sequence is: clone the old SSD to the new one. Swap in the new SSD. Upgarde to Win 10. That way, the old SSD can serve as a backup.

Welcome to TenForums @RedLad

bobkn said:

There may be some additional complications if your Windows 7 license is OEM. Older PCs used SLP, which required a custom windows installer.

You can do a clean install of Windows 10 on a PC built for Windows 7. When asked for a key the OEM CoA key should work (@Superfly may correct me on that). Assuming, that is, that it is still legible

I think that you'd have to do an upgrade install of Win10 on that, after which you would have a digital license that would permit you to do a clean install.

Yes, that should always work. Once W10 say it's activated a clean install of the same edition (Home or Pro), skipping entering a key, will activate from the digital licence.

Newer PCs with OEM licenses have a license code embedded in their BIOSes. That may permit a clean install on the first go.

Keys started being embedded in the bios from PCs made for Windows 8 onwards. A clean install will read this key and skip asking for a key or which edition to install. You will get Home or Pro, whichever the embedded key is for.

The Win10 free upgrade program is officially over, but unofficially I believe that free upgrades are still being performed...

Yes, still gets activated. Last time I tried was a few months ago.

bobkn said:

If you want a new SSD, buy one. My suggested sequence is: clone the old SSD to the new one. Swap in the new SSD. Upgarde to Win 10. That way, the old SSD can serve as a backup.

If you don't want a new SDD, then I suggest making a system image with Macrium Reflect Free before you start. That would also give you a way back, should you need it.

bobkn, thanks for the info. It isn't that I necessarily 'want' to buy one, it is just a feeling. I did a health check on the SSD there and it says all is OK.

Bree- thanks for the welcome!
My license is an OEM, yes. As for imaging the SSD, I don't really need to do that now as I want a complete fresh install. I have some programs on here that I no longer use.

Before I attempt the Windows 10 download and install, I am now in the process of backing up all of my data - pics, videos & documents etc. - to my external hard drive. It seems to be taking a bit longer to copy files for some reason.

I will keep you updated as how how it goes.
Thanks,
Paul

RedLad said:

As for imaging the SSD, I don't really need to do that now as I want a complete fresh install. I have some programs on here that I no longer use... I am now in the process of backing up all of my data - pics, videos & documents etc. - to my external hard drive.

I still recommend a Macrium image. Should you wipe the disk and a clean install fails, or you try to upgrade 7 to 10 and the PC won't boot, just restore the image and try again.

Not only that, but a Macrium image can be mounted as a virtual drive so you could copy your photos etc. from it, no need for a separate back up.

Bree said:

I still recommend a Macrium image. Should you wipe the disk and a clean install fails, or you try to upgrade 7 to 10 and the PC won't boot, just restore the image and try again.

Not only that, but a Macrium image can be mounted as a virtual drive so you could copy your photos etc. from it, no need for a separate back up.

Hi Bree,

Now that you mention it, I actually did a Macrium backup image when I first installed Windows 7. Then another backup image once I had my programs installed. So I culd potentially go back to either of these if anyything messes up.

I have my data backed up separately now anyway.

When leaving work earlier I asked a friend did he have Windows 10 installed and what were his thoughts. He told me he had a bit of a nightmare trying to install it on his Dell Precision. This is what I have too, so I just hope it works correctly without any nonsense when I go to install it. He said it was something to do with how our Dells are setup with Raids. (A bit of a joke and guys on sevenforums also told me this. I had a lot of trouble early on getting 7 going the way I wanted, as a result of this silly Dell Raid setup)

I will let you know how it goes, but if I have to go the awkward workaround route my friend suggested, I may stick with 7, like he did. But we will see!

Talk soon,

Paul

Hi ddelo ,

Thanks for the welcome :)