Win 8.1 OS Reset & Timing of Upgrade to Windows 10

StElmoQn

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My 18 month old laptop decided to have a host of problems and I have decided to return it to HP for repair/replacement since it is still under warranty. No surprise that when they return it, chances are likely that it will be restored to a fresh install of Win8.1 which is the original OS. I hadn't planned on having to set up the computer again, but now knowing that it will happen, my question is:

Should I Go Ahead and Immediately Upgrade to Windows 10 (before setting up the computer again and reloading all my programs, etc.?)

or

Should I Set up the computer again (reinstall all software) with the fresh 8.1 OS and then upgrade to Windows 10?

Given all the problems I'm reading about I'm tempted to wait, but feel that perhaps a lot of the problems are because of unstable versions of whatever OS each computer might have. In my case, it will be a totally fresh Win 8.1 for migration.

Thoughts or comments welcome!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy
My opinion about upgrading to windows 10:
  1. I won't, most important reason is because my system is probably not 100% compatible, even though GWX app says it is.
  2. The windows updates are terrible, I want to have control about the updates and know what is causing the problem of not booting into the OS or not opening a program or whatever problem an update may give you. Its good enough with windows 8.1
  3. I don't want Microsoft to get almost all of my data because they send it unencrypted (as far as I know) to their servers for cortana. Also because the apps from the store can easily use the customer ID and everything else they require.
  4. I don't want the startmenu, I hate it ******* hard. Before I had my laptop I already hated that menu. I can't and won't get used to that terrible feature.

Also, I yet can't upgrade, yes I have the GWX app, but the windows 10 message in windows update is gone.
If my laptop dies and there are no more places to buy window 8.1 for my laptop and/or desktop I'll go for Apple Mac OS or Linux.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom build
    CPU
    i5-6500 @3.20GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B150-HD3P-CF
    Memory
    16GB DDR4 2133 Crucial Ballistix Sport LT
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GeForce GTX 1060 GAMING X 6G
    Sound Card
    Built-in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Liyama ProLite XB2483HSU-B2
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX200 500GB & Toshiba DT01ACA300 3TB
    PSU
    Corsair RM550x
    Case
    Fractal Design Define S
    Cooling
    Cooler Master TX3 i
    Keyboard
    Func KB-460 (MX Red)
    Mouse
    Corsair Gaming M65 RGB
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security 2017 + MBAM Pro + MBAE Pro
    Other Info
    Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage V2 headset
If you're asking should you attempt to upgrade a laptop that has a "host of problems" -- I think you already know the answer -- NO. There's nothing magical about Win10 that is suddenly going to fix those problems; quite the opposite. The Win10 forums is chock full of folks reporting lots of problems after trying the upgrade. I'm one of those -- the upgrade trashed my HP laptop, forcing me to restore it from HP Recovery Media.

As to waiting -- good idea but not necessarily a fix for the problems. I've been on the HP Support forum a lot and HP won't comment on the problems that Win7 folks are having with lack of drivers. Since you have a Win 8.1 machine, you're likely to have a much smoother experience since that is a lot closer to Win10 in terms of drivers.

However, the Rollback option in the Win10 upgrade has its own problems, and if the upgrade goes badly, you could be left with a nonworking machine.

So, BEFORE you do the upgrade, you should do the following:
1) Download and install the free version of Macrium Reflect (MR)
2) Use the MR option to create a boot USB/CD
3) Use the MR option to image off your install to an external drive

This way, if the upgrade goes badly, you will be able to restore a working system in only a few minutes.
 

My Computer

Mark Phelps, I appreciate your comments but think you might have misunderstood my question.

I am definitely returning my laptop to HP for service and my questions relate to what I should AFTER it comes back from repair:

1. Should I IMMEDIATELY upgrade to Windows 10 upon getting the laptop back but BEFORE I reinstall my personal data and software programs? At this point the system would be completely clean.

or

2. When I get my laptop back and OS Is clean go ahead and reinstall all my software and personal and THEN try to upgrade?

or

3. Wait awhile to do anything related to Windows 10 (which right now is what I am inclined to do reading numerous forums...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy
You get it back with the OS that was installed when you purchased. If you requested the drive to be sent back to you, they may at their choosing.

Personally I would make copies of the files on it, delete all copies, etc saved by the browser (s), so that no private information is left like banking logins.

If they have to replace, they should contact you first and ask if you want the same or if available, one with 10 installed.

To cover what you told the phone operator, include copy of instructions with the unit, with your name, address, phone number and email, problems you are having and tape between lid and keyboard, so that the tech has that info when they get it.

Toshiba farmed both of my units out to a company they have a repair contract with, when I had failing keyboards on both. I did not get one back for almost two months, because only one company in China !makes keyboards. They had to go through something like six keyboards, before they got one that would not fail or was damaged.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
1. Should I IMMEDIATELY upgrade to Windows 10 upon getting the laptop back but BEFORE I reinstall my personal data and software programs? At this point the system would be completely clean.
NO -- I would not do that.
2. When I get my laptop back and OS Is clean go ahead and reinstall all my software and personal and THEN try to upgrade?
Closer, but not what I would do.
3. Wait awhile to do anything related to Windows 10 (which right now is what I am inclined to do reading numerous forums...
What I would do is the following:
1) After you get the PC back, go ahead and install everything you need to get it working the way you want.
2) Download and install the free version of Macrium Reflect (MR)
3) Using MR, image off the install to an external drive. MR has an option Create an Image of the partitions required to backup and restore Windows. Use that option.
4) Use the option to create a boot USB/CD.

NOW, you have a restorable backup of your machine in full working condition -- and can charge ahead with a Win 10 Upgrade. I would recommend using the MS Media Creation Tool and choosing the option to Upgrade this PC.
 

My Computer

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