JakeCook

You too, amigo. I was just kidding about the Java.

I think I'm all set. Just gotta go download all the Java I can get my hands on and I'll be good to go. Thanks so much for all your help. You really exceeded any expectations I had when I first came here looking for answers.

Installed. No issues. Ran a quick scan and obviously came up clean.

No, I have installed nothing other than Chrome. I wanted to hear from you first in case you needed something run. So when I do my installs, do you recommend Ninite? I used to use it for all my first install stuff, but as we've established, I've been living in 2014-2015 software-wise.

Okay. Ran to the store and picked up an external HD. Did the backup, but didn't end up needing it. Installed 10 on top of 8.1 and installed Chrome. Looks clean, except for a couple folders in C drive like Riot Games and one for an adware cleaner from back in the day.

Drive is faulty. I'm shopping for a new external. I also accidentally posted on one of those old posts you referred me to. That's what I get for multitasking and having a bunch of tabs open.

Dug out the adapter and nothing. Guess it's the drive itself. If I want to make a backup, my storage HDD drive inside my case is going to be the only option.

Disassembled the external. It was an old WD MyBook with an IDE connector inside. I have an IDE/SATA to USB connector somewhere around here. I'll try hooking it up tomorrow afternoon and see if I can't get this thing rolling. I appreciate the help. I'll let you know how it goes.

Nah, the ports work fine. I've been using them for everything. It's gotta be the drive. I've had it a long time, but haven't been using it. Was just storing old music & video files on it. I've been just using spotify/amazon music for a couple of phones now lol.

The external is a bust. It has power, but it's not connecting. It's been disconnected from my system for quite some time. I'll have to figure something else out. lol

Awesome. Thanks. I'll start with the backup. I have a USB I set up a few days ago that I made from the "Create Windows 10 installation media" page on the MS website. Should be what I need.

Interesting. That's where I was confused. I would not have guessed they'd let you use an 8.1 key to validate 10. Very cool.

On that last part, I mean can I use the USB to do a fresh install of 10 while I'm still on 8.1? Sorry if it wasn't clear.

Right. Perhaps I'm the one confused here. I am on 8.1. I'd like 10, but would I need to upgrade to 10 first before using a USB to reinstall 10 using my key? Or can I use the downloaded Win10 installation media to do this as a fresh install?

Just getting the process you're suggesting right. So with the back up, we're looking at Backup ->Upgrade to 10 ->Fresh install from USB? I do have an external. I've got the SSD boot drive, a secondary HDD, and then an external HDD.