Downloading Windows 10 - Replacing Win 7

[countrykid]

With support now ended on Windows 7, I thought I'd struck gold when I read an article on www.theverge.com/2020/1/14/21065140/how-to-upgrade-microsoft-windows-7-10-free-os
The procedure was easy from the link to Microsoft's Windows 10 Download Site.

I followed the various prompts, which included removing three programmes which win 10 doesn't support: Easy Software Manager, Easy Settings and Samsung Recovery Solution 5.
After around an hour of downloading/installing/restarting the computer restarted but still with Windows 7 rather than Windows 10. Then this message appeared:

"Windows couldn't install Windows 10. We've set your PC to the way it was before you began installing windows 10. The installed failed in SAFE_OS phase with an error during APPLY_IMAGE operation".
I've no idea what that means but glad I hadn't bought the paid for download!

I've posted a message before about buying a new pc, and replies gave great suggestions of places to source one from other than PC World. Buenchico being especially helpful.
Perhaps our Samsungs laptops spec is not suitable for Win 10.

Processor AMD A6-4400 APU with radeon TM HD Graphics, 2Gb Ram, 20Gb free space on Hard Drive. !Gb processor gthat supports PAE, NX and SSE2 whatever all that means.

When the message said it has returned the pc to "how it was", it hasn't of course been able to reinstall those three programmes it asked me to remove. How will this affect using the PC until such time as we get something with Windows 10. I appreciate that buenchico has explained it will still be ok to use a win 7 pc, so its just those three progs I'm unsure about. I think we've got a disc that came with the pc if tghat would help reinstall them as I'm assuming it relates to setting up of the laptop from when it was new. Thanks

[Old_Geezer]

Probably worth checking the laptops have sufficient resources.
Free ? That offer ended ages ago. But maybe worth retrying the download.

[jourdain2]

I don't know if this is a suitable place to post - I'm sure someone will tell me. Almost exactly 4 yrs. ago (within 2 weeks)I bought this laptop with Windows 10. I hate it with a deep loathing, can't use it, and feel inept and want to return to Windows 7 or 8, where I could manage things. A few days ago I tried to shut the lid of this laptop (acer) and the l-hand hinge and corner sheered off jaggedly. I am currently operating via 2 wires which didn't break and some gaffer-tape. (Tricky)

Obviously I have to get a new one. Can I get one with an old Windows programme? If not, would a Chrome book thingy accept my stored files (all my short stories etc.)? Any advice appreciated. I really, really hate Windows 10 and would try anything else to which I can transfer important stuff - email addresses, word files etc..

[countrykid]

Re old geezer, I realise the "free" offer ended ages ago, which this article pointed out but which said it is still possible to do it. The article is dated 14/1/2020. As far as I can tell the laptop resources are adequate.

Re jourdain, I use a laptop that runs windows 10, upgraded from the awful windows 8 that most people hated. What aspects of 10 do you not get on with or find most awful to use?

[Old_Geezer]

My concern would be whether the new updated Windows were accepted by Microsoft as a legitimate installation. Getting the software and actually installing it ought not be an issue. Which is why I suggested downloading again. Or even finding a difference source for the software.

[Old_Geezer]

...different...

[Togo]

This thread was done earlier this week. Same subject. May be worth a read through.

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Question1690774.html#answer-12272780

This is the microsoft site that provides a clean authenticated upgrade. There are sites offering this upgrade which are not to be used.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10

[countrykid]

Thanks again old geezer and Togo - especially for the two links. I'm pretty sure the link I clicked on in the verge article took me to the official Microsoft site, but I will try again and double check. I'll also try the Microsoft link from Togo.
It might be a day or so before I get chance to retry it, but will updateon here once done.

[ichkeria]

Why do you hate Windows 10?

My advice to the OP would be to ring MS support. I found them surprisingly helpful after I once sent my laptop for repair and it came back, to my horror, with Windows 8 reinstalled instead of 10.
Despite the free upgrade offer having expired and with no valid key, they still directed me to a free download. I think your only issue might be the age of the hardware

[countrykid]

Thanks ichkeria. I love windows 10, it was jourdain2 who responded to my post who hates it. Good idea re contact Microsoft support. Is this done by phone or email? Thanks again.