Windows 8 Updating Issues/Upgrading to Windows 10?

[LABFE]

I have a client with a Windows 8 notebook that travels with him on business trips. Automatic updates is turned on, but it hasn't actually updated in about a year. I attempted to manually run updates and they failed. I ran the Windows Updates Troubleshooter and it said it fixed three errors. I then attempted to manually run updates again and it successfully installed about 15 updates. Did a reboot and manually ran updates again. Back to updates failing again. Ran Windows Updates Troubleshooter again. Tried updates again, fail. Ran DISM tool. Tried updates again, still failing. I ran a Malwarebytes scan and nothing was detected and the PC isn't demonstrating any signs of infection. Here's where things stand: I began leaning towards going ahead with doing a refresh of Windows and the subject came up of taking the Windows 10 upgrade. His primary PC is a desktop running Windows 10 and he'd like the interface of both machines to be the same. So what I'm trying to figure out is if I could safely proceed with the Windows 10 upgrade without first refreshing Windows 8? The Windows 8 refresh will take at least around an hour from my limited experience. What say you? Proceed with Windows 10 upgrade or safer to repair Windows 8 first? I've already checked that the PC is on the manufacturer's list of Windows 10 approved PC's.

 

[Porthos]

2 Words.

Clean install.

 

[Doc+Com]

As far as Windoze 10 upgrading is concerned, I like to take a look at the PC's manufacturers website to see if there are win10 drivers for the PC or any other relevant info regarding an upgrade. This gives me a guideline as to how good the 10 upgrade will go...or whether its even worth attempting.
You don't mention how many win8 updates are pending but if there's a lot, I've had good luck installing small amounts of the updates in date order. Another solution I've found helpful is running 'Tweaking.com's windows repair in safe mode with admin privileges. It tends to correct a lot of unseen errors. I always image the HD before I do a user-requested '10' upgrade for obvious reasons.

 

[HFultzjr]

Image 1st.
Use Fab's to get profile info.
Go straight to clean install of 10.
Also, check hard drive condition before doing the above.
If bad, replace with SSD

 

[Geoffsplace]

I wouldn't worry about doing win 8 updates, you can choose to do a clean install of windows 10 (keep nothing) when you do the upgrade so that will prevent any problems being carried fwd to the win 10 install. just remember to backup any files pics, docs etc that need to go back on after the upgrade.

Syb

 

[LABFE]

2 Words.

Clean install.

Are you recommending a clean install from Win 8 or 10 ISO? He has just a few scattered personal files on the PC so I was leaning towards getting all to his OneDrive folder which is connected to the cloud and allowing time for upload and then either utilizing the refresh feature built into Win 8 (or) just proceeding with the offered Win 10 upgrade. I've already checked the manufacturer's website to verify it's on their Win 10 "approved list" for which I understand that there will be Win 10 drivers available if needed. But trying to be prudent.

 

[LABFE]

Image 1st.
Use Fab's to get profile info.
Go straight to clean install of 10.
Also, check hard drive condition before doing the above.
If bad, replace with SSD

I'll definitely check the hdd condition. Go straight to clean install of 10 through the upgrade option, not from ISO right?

 

[Geoffsplace]

Are you recommending a clean install from Win 8 or 10 ISO? He has just a few scattered personal files on the PC so I was leaning towards getting all to his OneDrive folder which is connected to the cloud and allowing time for upload and then either utilizing the refresh feature built into Win 8 (or) just proceeding with the offered Win 10 upgrade. I've already checked the manufacturer's website to verify it's on their Win 10 "approved list" for which I understand that there will be Win 10 drivers available if needed. But trying to be prudent.

I have had problems with upgrading from win 8 to win 10 using the "download as you upgrade" method, so I downloaded the ISO burnt it to a DVD and used that. I did the same thing for the latest major upgrade of win 10, the "download method" install repeatedly failed at 93% so again I downloaded the ISO, burnt it and it worked perfectly.

Syb

 

[LABFE]

I wouldn't worry about doing win 8 updates, you can choose to do a clean install of windows 10 (keep nothing) when you do the upgrade so that will prevent any problems being carried fwd to the win 10 install. just remember to backup any files pics, docs etc that need to go back on after the upgrade.

Syb

If I move all personal files that aren't already in OneDrive folder (they need to be there anyway to share with desktop) to that folder and allow time to upload to cloud and then perform Win 10 upgrade, selecting clean install do you see any potential issues?

 

[LABFE]

I have had problems with upgrading from win 8 to win 10 using the "download as you upgrade" method, so I downloaded the ISO burnt it to a DVD and used that. I did the same thing for the latest major upgrade of win 10, the "download method" install repeatedly failed at 93% so again I downloaded the ISO, burnt it and it worked perfectly.

Syb

Hmm, and then Win 10 activates from the Win 8 key with no issues? Seems terrible that the Win 8 to Win 10 upgrade isn't more reliable as a download.

 

[Geoffsplace]

Hmm, and then Win 10 activates from the Win 8 key with no issues? Seems terrible that the Win 8 to Win 10 upgrade isn't more reliable as a download.

I haven't needed to use the win 8 key in any of the upgrades, if you start the upgrade from win 8 it must check and verify you have a valid windows version installed before it starts the upgrade. yes but the failures can be caused from all kinds of things, besides its far quicker to upgrade from a DVD than a real time download.

Syb

 

[HFultzjr]

I'll definitely check the hdd condition. Go straight to clean install of 10 through the upgrade option, not from ISO right?

No, Do not do the upgrade option.
Download the latest media creation tool and start from scratch.
The upgrade process has known to sometimes have issues.
I have had no major issues doing a clean install.
It should auto pick-up the Win 8 key and activate.
Easy as can be.

 

[cypress]

Grab Fabs to get the data and settings. Then clean install it like @HFultzjr has said. Takes me only 30 mins for a clean install and to get drivers and updates patched up.

 

[LABFE]

That's precisely what I'll do: check HDD health, run Fab's, clean install Win 10 from iso, drivers/updates/antivirus/programs, restore data. Thanks fellows!

 

[fencepost]

Out of a sense of paranoia, I'd image it as well as running Fabs - image it onto a new external HD that he can use at home for backup, or onto a temporary drive of your own.

 

[LABFE]

I currently do all my appointments on-site. I like to be very careful as well, but imaging a drive can take a very long time right? Is there a low cost or freeware imaging software that you'd recommend? I have a 1TB external that I could keep a few images on for 60 or 90 days.

 

[cypress]

I generally like to keep images on there for 60 days. You can try AOEMI Free which is good for commercial use as well. Although I use the paid version for Easeus ToDo and also been working on Macrium.

 

[AnthonyK]

Clean install would be the best IMO. MS allows all Windows 7,8,8.1 licenses to activate Windows 10 until 29th July. UEFI boards do this automatically. Keep it simple, just back up and wipe. Your customer will appreciate the new clean feel

 

[LABFE]

I generally like to keep images on there for 60 days. You can try AOEMI Free which is good for commercial use as well. Although I use the paid version for Easeus ToDo and also been working on Macrium.

I think I'll have a look at AOEMI.

 

[LABFE]

So I've looked into AOEMI and a tech license is actually $450. I see that a tech license for EaseUS is $1000. Anyone know of a good low priced or freeware imaging utility? Would Clonezilla be a good solution? It's likely I'll upgrade to EaseUS or Macrium down the road, but I'm an onsite tech and I do a lot of 1099 work so I'm not in a situation where I need to do a lot of image backups like a computer repair shop would.