Cloned an SSD; new one works, but original doesn't

DavidE said:

cpmusic said:

I've never been fond of upgrading Windows from an existing installation, but Microsoft won't allow a clean install to get a free upgrade 7 or 8 to 10 from the online image unless you upgrade an existing installation first.

It is possible to clean install Win 10 without doing the upgrade install first.
Here is a tutorial by Brink explaining how:
Clean Install Windows 10 Directly without having to Upgrade First - Windows 10 Forums

Cool! Thank you!

You're welcome !

I create a System Image Backup (Macrium) of my OS partition before doing any major changes such as this.
That way i can restore that image and be back to where i was before the change.
I trust that approach more than relying on the MS built-in "Restore Previous OS" feature.
I've used System Image Backups (Macrium, Acronis, Ghost) for many years, and they work reliably for me.

I think MS is suppose to change how the free W10 upgrade offer works in the next major release.
You will be able to use a valid W7 or W8.1 license to do a clean install, making the upgrade simpler.
You would have to keep on eye on Windows 10 Forums posts, or ask there for more info.

DavidE said:

I create a System Image Backup (Macrium) of my OS partition before doing any major changes such as this.
That way i can restore that image and be back to where i was before the change.
I trust that approach more than relying on the MS built-in "Restore Previous OS" feature.

My first go-round was on an HP Stream (inexpensive, little data of consequence) and when the upgrade failed, it crashed the drive. I had to order an imaged USB drive from HP to get it working again.

cpmusic said:

DavidE said:

I create a System Image Backup (Macrium) of my OS partition before doing any major changes such as this.
That way i can restore that image and be back to where i was before the change.
I trust that approach more than relying on the MS built-in "Restore Previous OS" feature.

My first go-round was on an HP Stream (inexpensive, little data of consequence) and when the upgrade failed, it crashed the drive. I had to order an imaged USB drive from HP to get it working again.

I don't understand how you could get an imaged USB drive from HP that would include everything you had before the update.
Did what they give you include and restore all your previously installed programs, and configuration changes ?
I believe they could only give you some media that would restore the PC to "Factory Defaults".

[QUOTE=DavidE;3167137][QUOTE=cpmusic;3167131]

DavidE said:

I don't understand how you could get an imaged USB drive from HP that would include everything you had before the update.

I didn't, and I apologize if I implied otherwise. The reason I felt safe using that PC is that it had nothing of consequence that I hadn't copied from my desktop, and personal settings were mild. I bought the PC out of curiosity and waited too long to return it, so we've kept it around for casual use. As you noted, the USB drive restored it to factory specs.

No problem, and i understand.
I just wasn't sure i understood correctly, and you answered that.
:)

ICIT2LOL said:

Yes that is an option David but ti still worries me re that privacy and other change to functions issues. Until they get that sorted I shall not be using it.

Hi John,

I understand your (and others) concerns, and can't disagree with them.

I don't know what W10 will evolve into going forward, i don't know if anyone does.

Right now MS is offering a free upgrade to W10 for a qualified W7 and W8.x PC/OS/License.
If a person uses the free upgrade offer now, the valid/activated W10 license is stored on a "MS W10 activation server" .
So, you should be able to get the free update now, restore the W7 or W8.x OS and keep using what you have now, as long as you want.

Then if a year or 2 or 5 from now you decide you want W10, you should be able to install/use W10 with the license (free) that is stored on the MS activation server.
Or, you could purchase a new W10 license, or use some other OS such as Linux.

From everything I've read, that's my understanding.

:)