Windows 10 Upgrade Big Problem

I have an issue with being able to upgrade to Windows 10. Prior to upgrading I wanted to do the sensible thing. I wanted to create an image and do a back-up as recommended in this article http://www.howtogeek.com/223139/how-to-create-an-image-of-your-pc-before-upgrading-to-windows-10/. In order to have something on which to store it I purchased a USB external HDD with 1 TB capacity. I have just created the image and the software says there is not enough space on my 1 TB HDD. So that means I have not enough space for the image and the back-up. Buying another external HDD is not an option. Only 42 GB of the 1 TB on the PC is used so why does an image of the PC require more than 1 TB. In addition not only do I not have enough space on this 1 TB HDD for the PC I have tried to do this on I also have another PC I need to do this for prior to upgrading.

I have a solution for the PC I am trying to work on. I have decided to create a folder with everything I want to save: my docs, photos, music and Firefox profile. Then compress the folder. When that is done just to put it on the external HDD.

After that I am thinking of restoring this PC to factory settings. Hopefully I will have saved what I want and my restoring it any malware there might be will be gone. Prior to doing this I would like reasons why this is a bad and if it is a bad idea a good solution.

 

The problem I believe is that you have studiously followed the method recommended and created a bit-by-bit image rather than the more usual compressed image. That means that every sector has been backed up whether it contains data or not, a method you can only use in cases where the backup drive is significantly larger than the drive being backed up.. I suggest you clear the external drive and try again but this time creating a compressed image. If you have 42Gb used atm your image will be about 30GB. I have Acronis and Macrium Reflect and can guide you should you need it.

 

So your current Windows drive, the one you want to backup, takes up only 42GB originally?

What's the exact make/model# of the external 1TB drive?

 

I did follow them studiously. They mention doing the compressed version but it didn't seem to tell you how. Is Acronis free because I would prefer it as it is so widely recommended. If not I shall stick with Macrium Reflect. I would greatly appreciate your guidance. Thank you!

 

First things first I realised I'd not commented on restoring to factory. If you want to upgrade you have to be up-to-date so that is a no no. The alternative is a clean install of 10 so restoring to factory would be pointless.

I alternate my monthly backups between Acronis and Macrium and consider them equally worthy, but as Macrium is free I would stick with that. First things first - have you created and tested the recovery CD? Without that you would never be able to restore your backup. When you open Macrium you get options to clone or to image your chosen partitions. If you choose Image you will automatically create a compressed image so I assume you chose Clone the first time? Just be sure you are directing the output file to the correct drive and away you go. That's really all there is to backup creation but assuming that goes OK we can talk about how to be sure you could restore your image should you need or want to.

 

Never created or tested a recovery CD. Does it has to be on a CD? Could it go on this external HDD I have?

Can I check what I will be doing with Macrium because you are using the word back up. Is that the same as making an image. I noticed in a previous thread you said you'd made an image and were able to return a PC back to an older version of Windows more than 30 days after upgrading it to 10. I also ask because that article I cited was talking about making both a back up and an image. I am that thick when it comes to this. I have never made an image before nor even a back up.

 

I have just had a thought. I am wondering if this is a problem. Should I just install Macrium Reflect. Previously I did it with the PE components. Do I need those?

 

Sorry Mark, in this context backup = image. I'm really unsure what you mean by 'did it with the PE components' but you have to install Macrium first in order to create the recovery CD so yes, do that first. When you run Macrium it will soon remind you to create the CD and yes, it has to be either a CD or DVD or a bootable flash drive so stick with CD/DVD.

 

I have attached an image with the download options. The first one is to download Reflect Installer and PE Components and the second is to downlaod Reflect only. I'm wondering which would be the best.

 

I have installed Macrium on several computers and have never seen that screen before. Uninstall it and d/load and install it from HERE

 

I just used the middle MG link, and I get the same screen on running the file... reflectdl.exe.

 

I have created an image. The process went smoothly and was much less stress full as a result. Thank you Earthling. I now have three questions if they could pleased be answered.

1. The article I originally cited talked of effectively making two back ups. The image like I have just created plus making an actual back up as well. Do you think that is necessary or not? How would I do that?

2. If I create a recovery disk what do I need to do on a Win 8.1 PC? Can it go on the same external HDD as my image or would the recovery wipe that external HDD of everything on it first, which obviously is not at all what I need?

3. If I have done all of the above and anything that comes in replies, am I ready to go ahead and download and install Win 10?

 

@ satrow I'm a bit confused by that as I can't replicate it, but I believe that essentially the difference is either to just d/load and install Macrium Reflect or to d/load and install Reflect AND the components required in order to create a Windows PE recovery disk. If you do the former you will still be able to create a recovery CD but it will be the Linux version which may or may not work on your computer. The PE version should work on any Windows computer provided you select the right PE version for your version of Windows., details HERE.

 

Yes and it gives you the option of downloading the Win PE in a drop-down after the reflectdl.exe is started.

@mark59,

Earthling and I have both used AOMEI Backupper as well for imaging. I prefer AOMEI because of it's compression algorithm. It creates the smallest backup image if high compression is selected — greater than 50% compression (ie 40GB down to 28GB or less).

 

Mark - great, you now have a restorable image of your 8.1 as it is at present. Huge step forward! I admit to not having read the whole of the article as this is a subject I feel I already know enough about, but If you run Macrium again you will find an option to validate your image, and if that returns a satisfactory result there is nothing else you need to do, your image is good. As mdonah says AOMEI is good too but respecting your lack of experience in this area I suggest you stick with Macrium, just to avoid unnecessary complications. As regards the recovery disk, it just gets burned to CD and if you should ever need to restore your image you just boot to the recovery disk, navigate to your stored image file, and restore it to the disk or partition it came from. Providing you restore it to its original partition your other disks/drives are completely unaffected.

 

Thank you. I'm glad I'm going in the right direction. I feel like a dinosaur with technology these days. My nephews and nieces show me up. OK, so I have run Macrium again. I cannot find anything that says 'validate' or something similar. Could you please point me in the correct direction? It is now quarter past nine in the evening. I'm looking to turn in about midnight. Would you say I have long enough to get Win 10 tonight or should I allow more time?

 

I need to install Macrium to answer that as in the normal course of events I only use the bootable recovery CD both to create and restore images. I'm in the UK too and advise you to leave the Win 10 upgrade until tomorrow and just concentrate tonight on proving your image and testing your recovery CD.

Back shortly

PS to test your recovery CD, boot to it and check that it can see both the image file on your external and the drive or partition to which it would be restored.

 

OK, click the Restore tab and browse to your image file. Over on the right there is a Verify Image link.

 

Thank you! Reports image verified. Looks like I'm good to go.

 

Don't skip the CD test and hope all goes well tomorrow

 

Almost forgot that. That'll need doing tomorrow.

 

I have created an image with Macrium. I have created a recovery drive on a USB flash drive. Windows Update has been run to ensure I am up-to-date. The PC has been cleaned with CCleaner. I think that I am ready to go!

How long, on average, does it take to do the Win 10 upgrade. I could do with knowing. Tomorrow I am free all day. Today, I have child care responsibilities until 9 pm so I know I have time but would not be free of being mithered. So, an idea of how much time I need to devote to this task would be useful. Thanks! I also don't want to be trying to upgrade at the last minute before the time to do it for free runs out. With experience I know it is not going to be a smooth process for me.

 

It shouldn't take longer than an hour or two from start to finish, depending on the speed of your internet connection when downloading the set up files.

 

Thanks!

May I assume you're not a Thatcherite

 

You're welcome and good luck with it.
Indeed I'm not - I'm Jeremy Corbyn's No1 Fan!

 

Thanks!

 

I now have another problem. My qualifying laptop is ready to go. Today, I have created a recovery disk for my Windows 7 desktop PC. I now want to create an image of my Win 7 PC. However, I cannot because I have nowhere to store it. It simply refuses to “see” my external HDD. I plugged it in to the USB port and it said installing driver software. Then it said the software install had failed. I unplugged it and tried plugging it in again. Every time I connect it, and I have tried every USB port, the PC bleeps like they do when something is connected. Nothing comes up to say that any attempt to install software is being made. When I go into My Computer it is not there. When I disconnect it from the USB port the PC bleeps so it knows something was disconnected. I do not know if this makes any difference but I am using a USB hub rather than directly plugging it in to the PC. HP were very mean in the USB ports on this PC’ There are just 2.

 

Disconnect whatever you have to to plug it in directly.

 

Thank you! Your solution has worked.

 

The drive wasn't getting sufficient power. Have you completed an upgrade yet? Let us know.

 

I did wonder why it would not work through a hub.

No, I shall have to do it tomorrow. It has taken longer to create the image on my desktop than it did on my laptop. The verification of the image for the desktop is running right now. If that's OK both machines will be ready for the upgrade tomorrow.

 

I have started the upgrade to Win10 on one of my machines. I am a bit concerned. I started the process over an hour ago. On the screen the Windows Update page is open and it tells me it is downloading. The stage it's at says, "Checking requirements...". Should it have progressed beyond that point by now? What has been your experience? Should I be concerned?

 

Leave it and wait.

 

Is there a point when I know something is wrong? It's now been 3 hours and it's still checking requirements. I'm wondering about starting my other one but suspect that'll slow things even more.

 

Have a look at this:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...s/b3de2fc5-dc1b-48e1-8e66-4dd56c432d3d?auth=1

and here
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...allation/cb37ec40-8e82-4640-8461-c8ad235748d4

 

The second link it just confusing me. I decided that it just was not going to happen on the desktop on which I was trying to do the upgrade. So, I closed Windows Update. Then I went to turn the PC off. The screen now says, "Please do not power off or unplug your machine. Installing update 1 of 1." It has been like that for 15 minutes. Nothing from Microsoft seems to work like it should.

 

Turning off Windows Update is likely to be the key for you. WU has been a real pain for many over the last ~11 months.

 

Can you turn Windows Update off? How? If I do how would I get Win 1o on that PC?

 

The suggestions in the two links are for exactly the problem you are facing.
Unless any of them suggest turning off WU (which I'm pretty sure they do not) then turning it off means no updates including Windows 10, as simple as that. It's just another one sentence piece of advice that seems very strange - 'Oh, lots of people have problems with WU - just turn it off!'

 

Turn Windows Update off from Task Manager (Service tab, Wuauserv?, right-click it > Stop), if it was already running before you began the upgrade process, the upgrade process should restart it and continue without interference from the original WU trigger Process.

 

It will not allow me to stop it. It says access denied.

 

Okay, so you're ~5 hours in and you don't have any progress or monster download happening (Task Manager > Networking)?

If so, stop the upgrade then reboot, go to Service (from Task Manager is the way I prefer) and change the Startup type for the Windows Update Service to Manual, stop it first, if it's already running again. Then run the W10 installer/Upgrade (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-upgrade < this one is usually faster and slightly less prone to errors, ime) or from a full download version, if you have one already.

 

I am aware that other people may be reading this thread because they are having a similar issue. So, I would like to explain what has just happened, but am unable to. I had turned off the computer that I was having this with. I have just switched it back on to start working through the solutions kindly given by MaxTurner. Windows Update opened itself and is now downloading Windows 10.

 

Excellent news!

 

It is, but I know I'll never understand computers!

 

I'm pretty sure it was I'd expected, given the recent history of Windows Update. The reboot fixed it, WU was then caught by the upgrade installer before it could get stuck with the normal WU process trigger hogging it.

Old trick - if Windows is playing up, reboot it and try again


Edit: note for Max, disabling/stopping WU has been part of most 'fixes' for Vista/W7 getting stuck trying to update recently (probably similar for W8/8.1 but I haven't checked, they seem to have had much fewer problems), note the first 2 steps listed below
Steps to take after Windows installation
here (German site but English page - these instructions are, ime, the best/quickest to kick WU back into shape).

 

One PC complete (former Win 8.1) now Win 10. After all problems and stress I would've expected something that looked new instead of looking very much like 8.1

Several questions I'd like to pose:

1. What things would be recommended now with configuration, settings, etc?

2. Is it safe to be using Win 10 until I've done recommendations in answer to question 1. I believe there is a lot more info Win 10 sends to MS and that you can find settings and alter this.

3. Any good guides that anyone can recommend. What do you think of books like Windows 10 for Dummies, is there anything better along those lines, or are they not worth the money?

4. Anything else you think is important or useful but I've not mentioned.

Thanks in advance for the answers.

A big thank you to everyone who has helped me on this thread. Without that help I think I may be sat mumbling to myself in a padded room.

 

You can turn off all kinds of things in Windows 10 using the excellent O&O Shut Up 10 program:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/oo_shutup10.html

Personally I use very few of the 'apps' that come pre-installed (weather, news, bing etc etc ) so I simply uninstalled them.
I also prefer to use separate Firewall, Anti-Virus, Malware, HiPs protection, and Comodo Internet Security Premium Free works like a dream

 

Now both my PCs are upgraded to Win 10. I have a question about my (formerly Win 7) desktop. When I upgraded the Win 8.1 laptop and I had to log in it gave me the choice of the user accounts on the PC. On my desktop it automatically logged in to one of the user accounts and not the one which is the administrator. Why would it do that?

 

Does it matter? Just switch user.

I would also recommend O&O at the recommended settings as, at the very least, it will reduce the load on your system and internet connection. Personally I'm not that fussed by the privacy aspects that so many ppl are getting wound up about but for those that see it as a threat O&O is a simple solution. It won't retain all of its settings for long though as WU will override some of them next time it runs so you need to update it and run it monthly. It does have a 'show only changes' mode.