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Windows 10 Upgrade Strategies, Pitfalls and Fixes As MSFT Servers Are Hit Hard

Posted by timothy on from the good-chance-to-play-with-other-oses-too dept.

MojoKid writes: The upgrade cycle begins, with Microsoft's latest operating system--the highly anticipated Windows 10--rolling out over Windows Update for free, for users of Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. For those that are ready to take the plunge over the weekend, there are some things to note. So far, Microsoft has been rolling out the upgrade in waves and stages. If you are not one of the 'lucky' ones to be in the first wave, you can take matters into your own hands and begin the upgrade process manually. While the process is mostly simple, it won't be for everyone. This guide steps through a few of the strategies and pitfalls. There are two main methods to upgrade, either through Windows Update or through the Media Creation Tool. In either case, you will need to have opted-in for the Windows 10 Free Upgrade program to reserve your license. Currently, the Windows Update method is hit or miss due to the requirement for additional updates needing to be installed first and Microsoft's servers being hit hard, leading to some rather humorous error messages like the oh-so helpful description, "Something Happened." Currently, it would be best to avoid the Windows Update upgrade, at least for the time being. Numerous issues with licensing have been reported, requiring manual activation either through the dreaded phone call, or by running slmgr.vbs /ato at the command prompt to force license registration.

1 of 187 comments (clear)

  1. Re:List of privacy violations by freeze128 · · Score: 0, Troll

    Some of these are just knee-jerk reactions. For example: "Windows defender can be disabled, but after a while it turns itself back on". That is a *GOOD* thing. It protects you, and also prevents you from forgetting to turn it back on - That is something that computers were *MADE* for.... Doing things that are too hard or tedious for a human.

    Also, inability to disable auto-updates (Windows home edition only). That's right, you non-patching bastard! The internet is filled with worms like blaster and nimda, and they will never go away because of idiots who don't patch against critical vulnerabilities. Inoculate your children too, you jerk!