- Check your current program/application estate with the laptop asis -
Not really sure what falls under this category but the only program I probably have that isn’t a freebie download is Microsoft Office. Bought about 5 years ago through a work place incentive price. Cant find any details about it. I also have various Atheros programs (Bluetooth, Comms Inc, WLAN Client Installation Prog) showing?
- Do another quick check that you've got your data secure for re-installation (though the original HDD in the caddy will be a fallback for as long as it doesn't die)
I have
- Decide whether you're happy with your top-level user folder in the new Windows being set in stone to the first 5 characters of your Microsoft Account ID (you can't safely change it later) - MS account is somewhat quicker/easier, but if you're really not happy there's a workaround to a "local" account required later in the process (which I can add, but only if you let me know now).
That’s fine
- Whatever, make sure you do know your Microsoft Account ID and Password (the one that your digital licence is linked to)
I have this
- Hit the Windows key, type "sysinfo" whilst the menu is there, select the "System Information" menu item, and using the resulting screen:
> confirm to yourself which Windows you have (Home vs Pro. You must clean install the same as you currently have)
Microsoft Windows 10 Home
> expand the "Components" tree, "Storage" then "IDE" and confirm you can see "AHCI" some
Intel (R) 7 Series Chipset Family SATA AHCI Controller
- We need to check you can get into the boot menu. If it's messy or not as expected you might get delayed later.
> Bring the laptop up (if it isn't already) and then restart it using Windows power button options.
> Repeatedly hit F12 (or Fn + F12 if your keyboard requires) as it restarts to (try to) get the boot menu (you'll recognise it if it works!).
I have a boot menu with 4 options HDD, DVD, USB HDD, PCI LAN
The next step was going to be to clean the SSD up, but the photo from last night shows it can be left until the installation process.
Once you're happy with the above, we'll download the installation files to a USB stick (next instalment - written but to be posted after we're happy with the above).
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