Recommended Win 10 Install Path - Vista Installed - Want to Go To 10

ArchiMark said:

Now my question is whether to go straight from here to installing Win 10 (just bought the disk...) or should I first install Win 7 or Win8 and then go to Win10?

Did a product key come with the disk? If so, then I would go straight to a clean install of Windows 10. You can upgrade Vista to Windows 7 - but you will need both the install media for Windows 7 and a product key. I can't remember if you can upgrade Vista to Windows 8 - again you would need a product key, the install media for Windows 8.1 is easy to get.

So the first step that you will have to do if you want an activated Windows 10 is to purchase a product key.

Sorry don't understand.....

I bought the Win 10 install disk today as noted in my posts #1 and #4....while I haven't opened the package yet....(I left it in my office...), I assume like all other Windows install disks it comes with product key....if not, I'll be very unhappy.....

I asked, did the disk come with a product key. You answered:
"No, it's one of those Recovery Disks that you use to recreate the factory like OS install and setup...."

so, now I don't understand. Did you purchase a retail version of Windows 10 or not? If it is a full retail version, then there will be a product key. Your only option, since you don't have a useable Windows 7 or Windows 8 product key is to clean install Windows 10 with the product key that you purchased - if you purchased one.

Will try to clarify things again....

Sorry, thought you were asking me about the Fujitsu Recovery Disk that I used to get Windows Vista onto the new SSD that I just installed in my U820. I used this disk as it formats, partitions disk, then installs OS, drivers, and Fujitsu apps. So, you get machine back to state where it was when the box was opened....

A. I just purchased a retail version of Windows 10 today from the store. Left it at office (I'm at home now..). So, have not opened the package yet. I would hope there's a product key in the box after spending $120 plus sales tax....

B. I have a retail upgrade version of Win 7HP, but I've used the key on other machine.

C. I have a retail upgrade (I think....disk is at work) version of Win 8, but I've used the key on other machine.

Thanks for clarifying about my option to install Win 10 is to do a clean install. Actually, this is the way I typically have installed Windows on other machines in the past. Always seemed like the best way to do an OS install.

My question was really just to confirm whether or not going straight to Win 10 via a clean install is the best approach with this 'old machine' versus going through some sort of upgrade install process.

Hope this is clearer now.....

Thanks!

I have not used this myself - but you might want to consider saving hardware specific drivers from Windows Vista using DriverMax:
DriverMax

Not all that old hardware may have drivers in Windows 10 and you can at least try the drivers from Vista, if the Fujitsu website does not have updated drivers for Windows 7 or 8 (that will usually work in Windows 10).

Thanks for your help and the tip.....

Just checked Fujitsu support page....Win 7 drivers are available to download....