Windows 10?

[[Q]]

Hey guys, I purchased my computer in 2014 or 2015 and it's running Windows 7 but I think they were offering free upgrades to Windows 10 at the time.

I've been hearing about how all Windows 7 users need to upgrade soon and if anyone can shed some light on how or what I need to do, I would appreciate it.

Also, will I have any issues with program compatibility if I try to use programs that I've already installed on my computer? Or will I need to uninstall and reinstall when I'm up on 10?

[jwin]

Q, afaik you shouldn't need to reinstall anything if you do an upgrade from windows 7, there have been some issues with older programs but running them in compatability mode should take care of that if needed.

here is a link where you can get a windows 10 pro cd key for $14.00, i used them to purchase mine and it is legit and works, you will have to download the windows 10 installation package do an upgrade install and then activate it with the windows 10 key, but at least this should save you a ton of money on it

https://www.g2deal.com/windows-10-profe ... l-edm.html

[Andrew]

A jwin said, it should be relatively painless. One of the reasons I've been holding off is that Windows 10 doesn't support an old anti-piracy driver, which makes it difficult to run older CD games that used that protection. With support for Windows 7 ending next year, I'm going to have to bite the bullet and look for some workarounds.

[[Q]]

So I took the time to upgrade last night and they actually give you a free upgrade from Windows 7 if you have a legit copy. I downloaded the installer and it just did all the work for me. Super easy.

[Andrew]

So that offer is still running, even if you originally declined the upgrade? Good to know.

[[Q]]

Yeah I think Microsoft said it was a limited time upgrade to appease retailers but never planned on enforcing it

I have been receiving blue screen errors after switching while watching videos for a prolonged period of time. Not sure what that's about. Should I be updating drivers or do they do that sort of thing automatically when upgrading? After the first blue screen I updated display drivers but I'm not sure what other drivers need updating

[Andrew]

It'd be worth updating other drivers as well, just to make sure they're all current and correct.

[[Q]]

Man, Can't seem to figure out why my computer keeps resetting. Can't watch a video or listen to music for a prolonged period of time. I'm thinking about choosing the option to revert back to Windows 7, because at least I could use my computer.

Honestly I had reservations about going to Windows 10 at first but I actually didn't mind by the time I decided to do it since I now use Windows 10 at work and am used to it. But I don't want to use it if it doesn't work right

[Andrew]

Do you have an error code on the crashes?

[[Q]]

Yeah, the only thing it says is Critical Structure Corruption. I've reverted to Windows 7 for now so I can actually get stuff done

[Andrew]

Looked it up. It's either a corrupted/incorrect driver or a hardware fault. If everything's working fine after rolling back to Windows 7, it's probably the former.

[[Q]]

Yeah I figured it was a driver issue as everything works fine in 7. I updated quite a few drivers to see if it would solve it. Is there a way I can find out exactly which driver needs updating?

[Andrew]

You could use a program like Nirsoft's BlueScreenView to check the error logs, as that'd probably give some more information that would lead to the specific driver.

[[Q]]

Cool, thanks for the tip

[[Q]]

Last night I wiped my drive and ran a clean installation of Windows 10 and all seems to be working fine (fingers crossed!)

[Andrew]

When all else fails, start from scratch! Hopefully it'll avoid conflicts this time around.

[[Q]]

Hey, so it seems like there's a built-in antivirus program in 10. Is there any other programs that I need for protection?

[Andrew]

I've been using Avast Free for years. Gets the job done.

[[Q]]

I used to use Avast when I was in college. You use that on top of Windows Defender? Anything for extra protection from the interwebs?

[Andrew]

You could always go for a VPN for that extra layer of protection and anonymity. Other than that, the in-built security and third party software like Avast should be fine.