Should i make a clean install or keep files and update over 8.1 ?

alaslipknot · 25 Oct 2015

Successfully upgraded to Windows 10, all applications and settings works perfectly and all previous problems are gone

one thing i don't like though....

Hello,

I've been facing a collection of annoying problems with my Windows 8.1, specifically setting saving problem, for example can't save settings like default app, folder and icon size, i didn't update to Win10 yet because i am working on very important projects (am a game designer/programmer) and didn't have any time to waste on such a major update.

Anyway,
My question is, do you think this kind of problems will be fixed after updating to Win10 by keeping all my files, programs, etc... ??
Or should i do a clean installation of Win10 so my computer will be "system-new".

Thank you

Berton · 25 Oct 2015

So far with 14 Upgrades done, my experience is that one must clean up problems followed by updating Win7 w/SP1 or Win8.1 then doing the Upgrade, some problems will follow the Upgrade into Win10. If those problems remain then a clean install would be in order.

alaslipknot · 25 Oct 2015

Berton said:

So far with 14 Upgrades done, my experience is that one must clean up problems followed by updating Win7 w/SP1 or Win8.1 then doing the Upgrade, some problems will follow the Upgrade into Win10. If those problems remain then a clean install would be in order.

I would really love to fix those saving issues without having to do a clean install but it seems no one knows how to do it :/

spapakons · 26 Oct 2015

Do the upgrade when you won't need the computer. It will need about one hour or a bit more and is mostly unattended (until when you have to set your preferences once and then it finishes). Then see if you still have problems. They may be easy to fix. Otherwise, prepare for backup and format, but my experience as a Technician says you won't need it. So Try upgrading first, is faster than you think. Besides, you must use your present Windows installation to qualify for the free upgrade to 10.

alphanumeric · 26 Oct 2015

To get Windows 10 for free, you have to do an upgrade install at least once. If Windows 10 was never activated on that PC it will fail activation on a clean install. Doing the upgrade gets you a digital entitlement that is stored on the activation server for that PC/hardware. One option is to backup your files as a precaution, then do the free upgrade. Then see if your issues go away. If they don't, you can then do a clean install if you want. When asked for a key you just click skip. If you install the same version you got with the free upgrade it will activate automatically. Rumor has it, early next month, there will be an update to the install media that will let you do a clean install without having to upgrade first. You will be able to just enter your Windows 7 or 8 product code. Your second option is to wait it out and see if that happens. Then just do a clean install.

acmanten · 26 Oct 2015

alphanumeric said:

To get Windows 10 for free, you have to do an upgrade install at least once. If Windows 10 was never activated on that PC it will fail activation on a clean install. Doing the upgrade gets you a digital entitlement that is stored on the activation server for that PC/hardware. One option is to backup your files as a precaution, then do the free upgrade. Then see if your issues go away. If they don't, you can then do a clean install if you want. When asked for a key you just click skip. If you install the same version you got with the free upgrade it will activate automatically. Rumor has it, early next month, there will be an update to the install media that will let you do a clean install without having to upgrade first. You will be able to just enter your Windows 7 or 8 product code. Your second option is to wait it out and see if that happens. Then just do a clean install.

Thanks for all your posted info. I learn so much from reading your posted info, and what you post when helping others.

I am so glad that I did a Clean Install, and also have Win 10 activation now. be safe.. Cliff M.

alaslipknot · 26 Oct 2015

alphanumeric said:

To get Windows 10 for free, you have to do an upgrade install at least once. If Windows 10 was never activated on that PC it will fail activation on a clean install. Doing the upgrade gets you a digital entitlement that is stored on the activation server for that PC/hardware. One option is to backup your files as a precaution, then do the free upgrade. Then see if your issues go away. If they don't, you can then do a clean install if you want. When asked for a key you just click skip. If you install the same version you got with the free upgrade it will activate automatically. Rumor has it, early next month, there will be an update to the install media that will let you do a clean install without having to upgrade first. You will be able to just enter your Windows 7 or 8 product code. Your second option is to wait it out and see if that happens. Then just do a clean install.

Thanks man very valuable information, i'll keep that in mind and probably do the upgrade tomorrow.

Thank you all guys for your replies

Samsung User · 27 Oct 2015

I had problems on windows 8.1 like touchpad not working and freezes, once Toshiba updated the BIOS to take windows 10, I upgraded to 10 and since then no problems at all.
Laptop faster have disabled IE11 and just use Edge and very happy.
So do as everyone advised upgrade then problem should go away,
I don't regret upgrading at all

swarfega · 27 Oct 2015

Perform the upgrade install so you get the key associated, then do a clean install (you shouldn't need to enter the key during setup).

Ztruker · 27 Oct 2015

I've upgraded 3 computers at home (1 desktop, 2 laptops) and 7 or so at the shop, from various Windows 7 and 8.1 versions, 32 and 64 bit. All worked fine once the upgrade completed and windows updates were done.

I'd recommend upgrading and if OK, stay there. If serious problems, then consider a Clean Install.