Originally Posted by kirbyreed:
“with that i keep hearing about doing a clean install vs not, and maybe needing some sort of key? and i don't know what any of this means. i just need so simple step by step instructions for it if i'm going to attempt it because i really don't want to mess up my laptop.”
The link as call100 mentioned is here.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/w...n-tool-install
(It is better to backup your stuff first, as always)
Run the Media Creation Tool.
The Upgrade button allows you to Upgrade in 'real-time
http://postimg.org/image/kb3gz6icf/
(Sadly, sometimes, it also fails to complete)
So,
"
Creating installation nedia for another PC" is a good alternative method.
Check what version you need to grab. eg Home/Pro, 32/64 and Installed Language.
Belarc Advisor will tell you what you have.
Make a USB Flash (4GB+) and run Setup (on the Flash) to Upgrade.
Don't boot the Flash Drive. That's for a Clean Install and you must Upgrade first for the License to be automatically sorted out.
If asked for a License, skip it. You don't need it if existing Windows is activated.