Win10

I need to do a new windows install shortly, as am getting BSODs, so i'm guessing my 2 year old SSD with my OS is about to give up (as did the last one that was between 1-2 yrs).
I have win7 disc and licence and auto ugraded free to win10 a while back.
Will I be able to repeat this?
Or can I use the licence no from somewhere?
Or what is the simplest and quickest way to back this OS, to re-install clean on a new SSD?
Can I do it on a USB (And does it need to free of all other data)?

 

I've got two Samsung 850 EVO SSDs. I don't know what brand or model you're using but, they shouldn't putz out after two years — ten, maybe.

As far as Windows 10, once it's been on your computer, you have a digital license. You should be able to use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (Google for it) to create an ISO to burn to DVD or a bootable (8 GB) USB Flash drive to re-install Windows 10. Just choose "for another computer".

 

Why are you assuming that the BSoDs are being caused by your SSD? A much more common cause is a driver needing updating but if you can install BlueScreenView it will indicate the likely cause. Post the results here if you need further help.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/bluescreenview.html

 

I agree with others that it's extremely unlikely the SSD is causing your problems. You can verify that by running Check Disk
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/disk-error-checking-windows-8
If you report back on the results of a Blue Screen View scan post here we can potentially identify the BSOD causes.

If you do get to the last resort scenario of reinstalling Windows 10, it is very easy using the Media Creation Tool and saving the exact version of Windows 10 you have to a blank USB pen drive with at least 6gb of space. Using a USB pen drive means you don't have to waste time burning an ISO file to a DVD-R.

 

Cheers guys, will do the checks first, and report issues (though will be in a day or so).

 

Bluescreenview didn't work at all!?!
Chkdisk revealed nothing.
So took it to the local repair shop, who over 2 weeks seemed to struggle to fully diagnose.
Ended up with first new processor, then a new mobo, and also a failed RAM stick & WiFi card not functioning.
So, now have a working PC with new AMD mobo, less one stick of ram, thus running a little slower.

I didn't get to do the media creation tool, and the repair shop didn't cater for this....
But now main my issue is, as per question above, how to i re-activate windows with my win7 s/n (have tried and failed)?
I was told it would be related to old mobo/bios or something, but now that's gone!

 

A new motherboard - testing times for you.
Did you use your Microsoft sign in before trying to activate - If you sign in, and then, do not put any COA in and just go on-line and see if it picks up the digital licence, without a key.
Whenever I tried putting a key in on re-installation, I found it failed, but without putting a key in it picked up the digital key.

 

Go to Settings , System & Security , Activation and add a Microsoft account, if you have not already done so.

 

You don't.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

 

OK, in my Win10, its in Update & Security, and i can't find/see option to add MS a/c. Also, I have tried to activate windows, and it repeatedly says "Unable to reach Windows activation servers".
Any other ideas?

 

You aren't looking hard enough. Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign in with a Microsoft account instead

 

From JustPlayin link----
If you’re signed in using the correct Microsoft account, here are some additional reasons why you can’t reactivate Windows:

• The edition of Windows on your device doesn’t match the edition of Windows you linked to your digital license.
• The type of device you’re activating doesn’t match the type of device you linked to your digital license.

If you need additional help reactivating Windows on your device, contact customer support.