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General discussion

Help! My laptop will not upgrade to Windows 10

Jun 17, 2016 4:43PM PDT

I have a Lenovo G555 laptop, circa 2010. It has Windows 7 home premium, 4GB RAM, 160GB HDD (not much on it), etc. Received one of those "Upgrade to Windows 10" reminders and went for it. It wouldn't go! Froze at 99% finished. Called MS Answer Desk and a tech helped me redo it. Still did not go. Next day, another MS tech, same thing. The latest tech guy said it was because my BIOS would not allow me to change my operating system...fancy that. He said I'd have to contact Lenovo. So, I did. What a disaster! They wanted me to pay a premium fee to find out how or if my computer would accept Windows 10. I declined their ridiculous offer! Bottom line from them and from research I attempted on the Net, Win10 is "no can do" on this laptop. So, even though MS says if you have Windows 7, you can upgrade to Windows 10, someone is not telling the whole story. By the way, I also used MS tool to check "is your computer capable of running Windows 10" and it said yes. Maybe some of your followers can help me get to Windows 10. As you know, the freebie for W10 expires July 29. If I can't get it for free, I "ain't" getting it. I'm not about to spend $119 for it, ever! Thanks for your time.

--Submitted by Larry A.

Discussion is locked

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Win 10
Jun 25, 2016 5:37AM PDT

I have 2 Acer netbooks I loaded Win 10 on them after loaded and installed everything neither one would let Google Chrome work right, after a few weeks I uninstalled and went back to Win 7, on one no problem on the other it froze up never to work again, a few months ago I bought a inexpensive 7" Vulcan tablet with Win 10 this one I installed Google Chrome and it works great, I came to the conclusion that if you want Win 10 buy a computer with Win 10 installed and don't try to jury rig a perfect Win 7 computer, buy new if you have to have the Win 10 operating system, also there are some software that will not work with 10, and may leave you very disappointed, I will keep my HP Win 7 it works great still very fast even after 6 years of hard use

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Netbooks
Jun 25, 2016 8:22AM PDT

I have installed Windows 10 on a few Windows 7 machines and they all run faster than they did with Win 7. Netbooks typically may have less RAM or Processor speed than an average laptop. I have read about some really slow experiences running Windows 10 on netbooks. I may be wrong, but my 2 cents.

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It's not total crap
Jun 25, 2016 7:29PM PDT

It is missing a lot of drivers, so an upgrade from 7 to 10 is iffy. I got it installed and it runs great on my dell Latitude E4300, but I lost the bluetooth, I had to turn the bluetooth off to install it and not get nagged for the driver disk, which there isn't one, that anyone knows of. Like I said, it runs great boots much faster than 7 and takes up a lot less space on the hard drive. My old Gateway T series is another story and is back happily running 7. My desktop has a Q8300 intel quad core process, but does not support windows 10 according to the pop on my notice. I have had to rescue a lot of people to roll their systems back, or in some cases a reinstall of 7 because for some reason, the old windows folder was deleted. I find it hard to believe this 80 year old lady knew where to find a folder like that, let alone delete it
So it is 95% perfect on 33% of my computers, but that's what these massive beta test are all about

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Ok, I'm dating myself here...
Jun 17, 2016 7:07PM PDT

but the should be a way to stop the BIOS as it's booting up the PC. In older Windows versions, it was CTRL-5 or CTRL-8, if I remember. You have to do it quickly soon after turning the machine on. If you wait too long, it doesn't function. But if that works in Win7, then maybe there's a setting in there that's blocking the upgrade that you can change. Once you save changes and exit, the computer should finish booting up normally. At least you can take a look.
Another thing that stops the upgrade is a too-old version of IE. I had to upgrade the IE version on my Dell laptop to make the upgrade work. Good luck!

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Actually,
Jun 24, 2016 7:55PM PDT

I have never heard of the BIOS keeping someone from updating their OS. I have had trouble with UEFI (the thing that replaced BIOS), but I have never seen the BIOS prevent an update. I'm not saying it is impossible, but it would be unusual. I think that the tech support person was making an excuse. Anyone who is qualified to work in tech support should certainly know how to change the BIOS settings.

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Did you try...
Jun 26, 2016 6:35AM PDT

Did you try flashing the BiOS with the latest version? Go to Lenovo's support website to see if an update is available. The also have instructions on how to do it (it's about as easy as updating a piece of software).

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It may be a lack of space in the System Reserve Partition
Jun 17, 2016 7:49PM PDT

Hi Larry

Sorry to hear that you're having problems with your Windows 10 upgrade. Even though the Windows Upgrade Advisor will tell you that your computer is capable of running Windows 10 it will not mention short comings dealing with the size of your HD partitions.

1. I agree with Datatech that your problem could be that the System Reserve Partition (SRP) is too small. It needs to be at least 100MB in Windows 7. To check the size of all partitions on your HD including the SRP follow the instructions in the link below:
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/tipstricks/f/open-disk-management.htm

2. Now that you have found the SRP you need to understand why you need it. Click the link:
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/system-reserved-partition-windows

3. From here on we assume that the SRP is too small and you’ll need to expand it to the 100MB you need. Suggest you take what you need from Unallocated Space or create it by following the instructions in the link below. Creating this space may require taking it from Drive (Partition) C:/. Taking space from Drive C:/ should not affect your computers operation unless you’ve maxed-out on space. Assuming you have not maxed out on space the end result is that you’ll have a bit less space for storage on Drive C:/. Click the link:
http://www.disk-partition.com/resource/add-unallocated-space-to-system-partition-windows7.html

4. Now you’re ready to Extend the SRP to the 100MB requirement. Follow the instructions in the link:
https://www.petri.com/extending-the-system-partition-in-windows-7

There are programs such as Partition Wizard that can walk you through the process in addition to YouTube videos. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can take your computer to a BestBuy Geek Squad or a computer shop and let them perform the operation for you. However, be sure to do a complete backup of your HD before you do anything. Good Luck!

Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.


Note: Edited by Forum admin to correct "Partition Magic" to "Partition Wizard"

Post was last edited on June 24, 2016 5:14 PM PDT

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Please don't use Partition Magic
Jun 18, 2016 3:27AM PDT

While an excellent program in its day, it is no longer maintained and specifically, it doesn't support NTFS Extended disks. A colleague moved his entire photo collection into oblivion, the first time we encountered this issue.

There is an excellent replacement, Partition Wizard, which I believe was developed from Magic, after it was grandfathered. Partition Wizard is free for personal use (there are commercial versions) and the products are maintained, current version is 9.1. It has the familiar GUI interface from Magic.

BUT, BIG BUT, it is more than capable of wiping out your entire system, should you so desire and if you ask for a secure erase, that's exactly what it will do. PLEASE heed ajtrek's warning and before you even think about messing with your partitions, make sure you have a valid full backup or better two, of your entire disk.

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Disclaimer/Correction
Jun 18, 2016 5:39AM PDT

Hi Larry and Cnet Members

Some of the links in my post have advertisements for a particular software to assist with the process. To be clear "steering" anyone to try or buy software is not my intent. I chose those tutorials strictly for their instructional value.

However in reality if the tasks in my post cannot be accomplished via Window 7's built-in Disk Management tool (or an individual lacks the skill set) one of the following is inevitable:

1. Take PC to a knowledgeble friend
2. Take PC to a computer shop of choice
3. Download/Free version of a disk management assistant
4. Download/Purchase version of disk management assistant (if Free version doesn't unlock all options)

That being said I did mention Partition Magic. Thanks to Zouch for correcting that to Partition Wizard which is what I meant to say. Old school mistake Cool .

The Free version of Partition Wizard is very robust and will meet the needs of the casual user in most instances. Call it advertising if you want...but everyone is not capable of using the built-in tools provided by Windows for every task. Still some like me are Diy'ers and enjoy the challenge/learning experience. Having knowledge of a good 3rd party software is always helpful IMO.

There's always a risk involved when using any maintenance software...some more severe than others...such as wiping all your data Shocked . But that's why we religiously perform a Full Back-up of our systems on a regular basis and before performing a task that could have catastrophic results. Right??

Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.

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Forget Windows 10! Keep Windows 7
Jun 18, 2016 12:03AM PDT

I went through a similar problem, I tried and tried and finally succeeded in loading the famous W10... Not only has it slowed down every function, but also, the logic behind this new OS is totally screwed. You can't find anything on your drives, just to print a page, you have to go through a series of moves, etc... I finally went back to W7! And that was another adventure!

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Stay with that which works!
Jun 25, 2016 11:07AM PDT

I agree! Stay with the operating system that works now. Upgrading for the sake of something new can cause you weeks of frustration. If you are intent on upgrading to Windows 10 buy a new computer with it already loaded.

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burn a dvd
Jun 18, 2016 12:56AM PDT

I had a similar problem with an oldish HP laptop running ok with w7. I downloaded the w10 iso and burnt a dvd. I then used this dvd with the laptop running w7 and clicked on update existing the top option and did not enter a cd key. After w10 installed I was asked to enter the w7 key which it accepted. If it is just a bios problem visit the lenovo site and see if you can update the bios but I would use the first method first.

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Good option
Jun 18, 2016 3:41AM PDT

I was going to suggest this route too. And the bonus is that although you are technically doing an upgrade, you get a clean Windows 10 system. How easy it is to get back from there if you don't like it, though, may be problematic because I think your Windows 7 product key becomes invalid after 30 days.

There are, despite the casual Microsoft comments, some machines that will run Win7 happily but not 8.1 or 10. Windows 8.1 introduced some additional processor feature requirements, PAE, NS and NX, which also apply to 10. I believe your AMD Athlon II M320 processor has this features but worth a further check.

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Correction...
Jun 24, 2016 8:04PM PDT

Your Windows 7 key doesn't ever become invalid. You can legally reinstall Windows 7 any time you like using that key. Windows 10 is issued a different key. There is software that will help you find that key, so you can make note of it. I just used Belarc Advisor. It gives you the key when you run it. I print the results to a PDF file every time I use it so that I have an easy record of what I have done to my computer and when.

I double and triple checked this with Microsoft before I would allow my computers to upgrade to Windows 10. I know that you can revert using the tool in Windows 10 that is designed for that purpose for 30 days, but once that tool is gone you can still reinstall your original OS and use it legally. You essentially have two different operating systems for your computer, and you can use either one. You can also run Windows 7 in a virtual machine on Windows 10.

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Thanks, Denise
Jun 25, 2016 4:11AM PDT

Thanks, Denise, I did not know that. Is it true for all versions of the earlier operating systems? I know the Upgrade Windows 10 generates a new key, hashed from various system component IDs and held on Microsoft servers. But I had thought the previous system key was invalidated, so this is new news (to me anyway).

I can see why Microsoft wouldn't be too fussed about OEM editions of 7 and 8.1, because OEMs are tied to the physical machine on which they are first installed, though with a still valid key for the earlier system, it would be possible to set up a dual boot, which may well violate the EULA.

But for a retail product key, which can be moved, providing it is activated on only one machine at a time, this could lead to piracy, which is illegal and cannot be condoned. For example, take a Win7 machine with a retail key. Upgrade to Win10, which will activate Win10 and store its key at M/S. Then use the original key on a different machine and activate it on that machine. That surely doesn't and shouldn't work?

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You're Welcome!
Jun 25, 2016 10:54AM PDT

I only have OEM versions of my copies of Windows 7, so I didn't check on retail versions. I would assume that only one (either the original retail OS or the copy of Windows 10 based on it) would work at once, but I am only assuming here.

I know that the copy of Windows 10 that is based on a legal copy of either Windows 7 or Windows 8 has the same license type as the original OS had. In other words, a retail copy of Windows 7 that is upgraded to Windows 10 gives you a retail version (which can be moved). As for using both at the same time, I don't know. I am only guessing.

I would say that this is a question for Microsoft to answer. I wouldn't try it, though, without asking first what the legal situation is. I do know that my desktop computer has Windows 10 on it with the original Windows 7 running in a virtual machine on it. In a way, they are both running at the same time. That is a unique situation, though.

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Thanks again, Denise.
Jun 26, 2016 7:31AM PDT

I won't actually be upgrading my own machines to Win10, three are not hardware capable (lack PAE, NS and NX) and I'm happy with 7 on the other two Windows machines. I use an OpenSuSE Leap Linux machine for day to day work. But I did upgrade one machine to Win10, had a good look round and then backed it out to 7. I do a bit of free consulting in my local area and library, so I needed to know what Win10 was all about.

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(NT) You're welcome again!
Jun 26, 2016 2:04PM PDT
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Disable virus protection
Jun 18, 2016 5:02AM PDT

Had the same problem on a Lenovo Yoga upgrading from Windows 8. Finally succeeded by disabling my virus protection.

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Another Good Suggestion
Jun 18, 2016 5:47AM PDT

wish I'd thought of it Cool

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Disable virus protection
Jun 24, 2016 7:51PM PDT

I have a Lenovo desktop. I was using Windows 7 and was unable to install Windows 10. I forget the exact problem. However, after about four hours of working with a technician (not a Microsoft one) who tried umpteen different things, including installing and running CCleaner, he finally succeeded by disabling my virus protection. (I have now deleted both McAfee and Avast.) I'm not sure I like Windows 10 more than 7, but I am adjusting to it.

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Headaches with the Win 10 upgrade
Jun 18, 2016 7:11AM PDT

I went through a similar bout of headaches trying to update my older HP Desktop from Win 7 to 10 and I "DO" mean headaches. Three/ four days of scratching my head, going to MS help forums and doing "EVERYTHING" they told me to try to no avail. Tried doing the online update and "every time" it stopped/ ground to a halt at 99%! What I failed to notice at the time and saw only in retrospect was that "EVERY TIME" it stopped at 99% was that the WiFi adapter light was turned "OFF" ergo it killed my WiFi connection!!!!! Also disable your virus/ firewall programs and use the built in MS Virus/ Firewall software temporarily!!!!

I tried the ISO download and it too "FAILED" when I told it to download any updates prior to starting the install! It spent "hours" looking for updates, stuck in a loop! Long story short was that my external WiFi adapter turned out to be "my" culprit!!!

When I did the ISO install but selected "Don't Check for Updates", the WIN 10 upgrade went straight through in a minimal amount of time!! What I'm getting at is that your headache could(?) possibly be one of your installed components! Try doing the upgrade and disabling the add on components one by one! Check your WiFi light to see if it's still connected to the internet! The upgrade may NOT like your WiFi Adapter!! Evidently, I'm only guessing, at the 99% mark it's looking for any updates to finish the install!!

Also consider doing the upgrade via the Win ISO, free download from MS!! On the plus side you'll always have that file in case you ever need it in the event of a crash!! I, personally, would try the ISO upgrade as you have just about everything on the DVD/ USB storage device. After, hopefully succeeding, you'll still in all probability have updates to install after the upgrade. Good Luck!!

P.S. after the upgrade went through my external WiFi device worked flawlessly! Isn't that a kick!! Who'd have thought "my" external WiFi adapter would've caused me such headaches??

Post was last edited on June 24, 2016 5:19 PM PDT

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W10 installation can disable built-in Wifi
Jun 25, 2016 4:19AM PDT

It's much safer to connect your computer to the Internet via RJ45 Ethernet, as many wifi adapters rely on software that can be damaged during the W10 upgrade. The failure so late in the process accords with the experience of a friend who finally got it to work by switching to a wired connection. Fortunately, my Acer Switch-10 (which lacks an RJ45 port) didn't supper the issue.

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Don't bother with Windws 10
Jun 19, 2016 2:45AM PDT

I have a laptop with the same specs, except for a 500G/Byte HD. Win 10 was hopeless on it.
Here is a list of reason why you should not bother upgrading to Win 10.
1. Your laptop specs are far too low for Win 10. Forget about what Microsoft say, Win 10 needs at least 20 g/byte just to install
2. 4 g/byte memory just won't cut it. Windows will constantly draw on your hard drive to create "virtual memory" taking up precious disk space
3. Add a few applications you may not enough HD space for Virtual Memory.
4. With the above your system will be so slow you will tear your hair out.
5. Chances are that the reason Win 10 would not upgrade is because of the above.
6. There really not much Win 7 can't do what Win 10 can.

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I bothered with W10 on my old 2009 Sony Vaio
Jun 19, 2016 8:44AM PDT

It has 4GB RAM, a Core2Duo and a 500GB HDD. It's working better than it has in years.

I don't see it using virtual memory but I only use this for a home theater PC and browsing. It's great!

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Sony Vaio
Jun 24, 2016 6:49PM PDT

...the placebo effect

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I hope to get time to try it on an even worse machine.
Jun 24, 2016 7:21PM PDT

I have this 2006 Dell Inspiron with a CoreDuo, 1GB RAM but some 120GB SSD. Will it work or just be crushed? It's on W7 Pro now so I'll clone the drive and try it on the clone.

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Needs 2GB
Jun 24, 2016 8:51PM PDT

Don't even bother trying to run Win 10 with less than 2GB. Even Win 7 runs really slow with that.

And as you mention (and I was the first person to recommend this), always clone the disk and make sure the clone works before doing any upgrade. There are several problems that can easily crop up aside from "Win 10 just won't work":

1) Some other program won't work.

2) You might think all your programs are working -- and then 6 months later you go use that program you only use about 2 times a year -- and it doesn't work.

3) A program that definitely is Win 10-compatible requires reactivation -- and the vendor is out of business, no longer supports that version, has shut down that activation server, or tells you the program has reached its maximum number of activations and you'll have to buy a new license.

Nowadays, hard disks -- especially refurbs -- are downright cheap. Two hours of your time are worth more than the $40 you'll pay to get a name brand 1TB drive. If everything works great you'll have an extra drive or maybe an extra backup. If something screws up, you won't have to go crazy hoping the backups you did will actually restore to bare metal.

One last thing is that a lot of backup software that works under Win 7 will not work under Win 10. It will look like everything backed up properly. But when you actually try to restore a full Win 10 backup to a drive, Windows on the disk won't boot.

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A 2006 Machine? A 10 year old machine? WOW!
Jun 24, 2016 9:21PM PDT

Personally that machine needs to be sent to a landfill unless you like experiencing problems just to see how to fix them for the experience and education. I used to like doing that on my old desktop - not so much anymore on my laptop. If I was a betting woman I would place a bet and say that W10 checker tool will crack up laughing when it says "are you serial? ("serious")" and "doesn't meet the minimum........

Wonder-Woman

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(NT) Landfill - no; recycle -yes, please.
Jun 24, 2016 11:11PM PDT