Author Topic: Windows 10 Upgrades - Notes from the Field (Read 9269 times)

OhauitiWeather · « **on:** September 05, 2015, 10:24:03 AM »

So far I have upgraded three Desktop Computers to Windows 10. Two of these were new builds / rebuilds (I am a 33 year PC & Network Engineer veteran after all!) with fresh installs of Win7 (1x Ultimate 64 Bit & the other Home Premium 64 Bit) and the third had been running Win 7 64 Bit Ultimate for approximately 12 Months No Notebooks yet but I am preparing my MSI A6200 Notebook running Windows 7 Home Premium for upgrade to Windows 10, hopefully ready by this coming weekend.

Windows 10 Upgrades: As with any Windows OS upgrade, and I have been doing them, or not doing them as the case may be since Win 3 to 95 preparation is the main key to any upgrade. Backup the Machine twice, the data you think you have on it and the whole enchilada even if you have to take the Hard Disk out and attach to another machine. Uninstall any application software that you are no longer using and make sure that all software remaining is running the latest versions and this includes drivers and not often used tools and utilities. Update any Virus and Malware software and run full scans then deal with any issues. Remember to disable or even better uninstall any Virus and Malware Software before you run the upgrade. NOTE: In my experience the biggest issue is that upgrades also upgrade any baggage that is floating around in the system, of special note here is the mess left behind when application, drivers etc are not uninstalled just simply had their program folders and desktop Icons and shortcuts deleted.

Windows 10 Issues. Yes there have been a few but so far they have all been resolvable without too much work required. The worst was the Computer that had been running Windows 10 for approx 12 Months, the upgrade worked but it de-activated both Windows 10 and Office 2010. I tracked the issue down to an open source application and a couple of left over bits of software that came with a Printer and a Router. Used the 30 day roll back feature in Win 10, it worked, re-activated Windows 7 & Office 2010, uninstalled the three apps and redid the upgrade, worked perfectly and has done now for over 2 weeks.
One still unresolved issue is that on the two computers with fresh Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit, they have upgraded to 32 bit in Windows 10 but they are working flawlessly?
The Computer with the Windows 7 Home Premium fresh install had an unsupported Video card that the Windows 10 upgrade compatibility test got stuck on and would not allow the upgrade to continue even after the Graphics card was changed to one that complied. I was not prepared to wait "maybe a month" for the Win10 compatibility test to run again so the only resolution I was to either re-install Windows 7 Home Premium and start over or upgrade to Win8 (I had a valid Key), then Win 8.1 (Free) and then Win10, I took the latter route, it worked but it took a few days to get all the updates etc done.

Windows 10 Configuration Issues: There have been a few. Simple printer drivers Okay but our more complex Multifunction device, we have a Ricoh MP C2551, did not upgrade well, the Windows 10 upgrade basically trashed the driver, twice. As suggested above uninstall the driver in the pre upgrade preparation phase although on the Computer where the driver was trashed simply uninstalling the driver after the upgrade and re-installing a freshly downloaded Windows 10 driver for the device worked just as well.
Edge Browser: Like this very much so far, at least it does not crash Multiple time a day like Internet Explorer 11 has done almost every day since it was installed. You need to remember though that the Edge Browser is a feature deprived browser which means it does not have the same depth and complexity of configuration options that Internet Explorer has. Having said that I am liking it so far, it’s snappy and fast and I have not found a website that it will not load . . . but its early days yet. The jury is still out here as I have not tested how it behaves with any of my Access applications.
Handling of PDF’s: By default Windows 10 uses the “Microsoft Print to PDF” option which seems to screw with document scaling. The Windows 10 default option for viewing and printing PDF files is the Edge Browser and for us this does not work well as the reduced option set for our Ricoh MFC 2551 printer does not include the option to set the Job code for the print job, it just prints the job and we assume it either uses the default job code or the one from the last print job. Our solution is to use what we have always used, CutePDF writer to print to PDF and Adobe Reader DC for viewing and printing.
Language, Date and Time Settings: Windows 10 seems to have a much closer integration to Regional and Language settings than any previous Windows Versions. We are based in New Zealand at the bottom South West corner of the Pacific so use the British date and time formats (dd/mm/yy). Make sure you have the Display Language set correctly. I still have an unresolved 4 digit date year display issue with Access 2003 Application Databases, see below.
Windows Updates: The option to download updates and install them when I want to seems to have been depreciated. Auto Restarts are an issue, twice now and on two different Computers Windows 10 has just restarted without warning, regardless of what I was working on or what Apps I had open. I have had reports of but not been able to verify that it is supposed to remember what you had running etc and restore the session after restart but that did not happen for me on either occasion. The Access Database I had open and was working on was not a pretty sight on restart but I got it sorted. I have changed the restart setting to notify me to schedule a restart but so far it hasn’t but it has scheduled a restart for when it thinks I am not using the Computer, 3:30am tomorrow, and it has installed more updates? Not sure yet that if I power the Computer off at say 10:00pm how it handles that with its scheduled 3:30am restart?

Access Upgrades: We run several large in-house Access 2003 (.mdb) developed Database Applications which I have built, manage and upgrade as required. I have been an Access Database developer since Version 2. With the Windows 10 upgrade we have also upgraded Microsoft Office on those devices including Access from 2003 to 2010. Started with the 64 bit version of Office 2010 but it was giving me too much development grief so re-installed using the 32 bit version and our Database Applications are running without significant issue on all three Windows 10 upgraded Computers.
Date (Year) display issue: I still have an unresolved 4 digit date year display issue with Access 2003 format databases (.mdb) running under Access 2010 on Windows 10, all date input fields use a mask that is formatted for two digit years and all dates are stored as 2 year digits but display as 4 digits, was not an issue in Office 2003.
The Office Ribbon: Not my favourite Office 2010 feature however it does display my Access 2003 Custom Menus pretty well, except Print preview Close for some reason, on the Add-Ins Ribbon. The Quick Access Toolbar has quickly become my friend and so easy to modify and customise on individual Computers running the Database Applications.
Background and Foreground Colour interpretations: A couple of random display issues here, the odd field label with the same Background and Foreground colours displayed but the colour code settings behind are correct, simply changing them to something else, saving and changing them back again seems to work, well so far anyway?

Summary: Learning and experiences from previous Microsoft Windows Operating System Versions and upgrades still applies. Windows 10 is nice; I am liking it very much although I thought there was nothing at all wrong with Windows 8.1. As with all new Operating Systems versions and upgrades there are always issues and quirks to resolve, they always take time to work out but probably the thing that takes the most effort and is the most difficult for users to accept or come to terms with is that they are by their very nature different from what we are used to and we are generally creatures of habit. On the whole I think Microsoft have done a good job . . . so far. The latest metrics are showing the 75+ Million upgrades and new activations have been performed since Windows 10 release, the fastest adoption rate for any Version of Windows to date.

ato2 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 05, 2015, 12:06:42 PM »

Thanks for that review of your experience with Win 10 upgrades. It is nice read about the details.
I think the OS is pretty sound for one at its early full release stage, but not quite what I want at this stage.
I used it as part of the Insider Program and found it an interesting experience. To be honest, I don't like the GUI much, haven't found a satisfactory way to modify to my own liking.
I upgraded both Win 7 and 8.1 and the long process was a pain, to be honest, but worked OK. (I used an .iso for the upgrades).
I then rolled each partition back to Win 7 and 8.1. That went very well and did not take long.
Reformatted the HDD and re -installed Win 7 and Linux.
Will stay with that until I try another upgrade of Win 7 later on.

OhauitiWeather · « **Reply #2 on:** September 22, 2015, 12:10:40 PM »

Is Windows 10 right for you?
HP Technology at Work

4 things you need to consider when deciding if Windows 10 is right for your business

1. How much time will you spend training?
2. Will essential programs continue to work?
3. When will you be able to upgrade?
4. Are the new features worthwhile?

09-2015 : Is Windows 10 right for you?

ato2 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2015, 01:24:29 PM »

Yes, that is spot on- one has to crunch the numbers and see if it is worth it in terms of gained productivity.

Is Windows 10 right for you? [/b]
HP Technology at Work

4 things you need to consider when deciding if Windows 10 is right for your business

1. How much time will you spend training?
2. Will essential programs continue to work?
3. When will you be able to upgrade?
4. Are the new features worthwhile?

09-2015 : Is Windows 10 right for you?

OhauitiWeather · « **Reply #4 on:** December 23, 2015, 11:26:24 AM »

More Notes from the Field . . .

Preparation is everything . . .

I have now personally upgraded a total of five Computers to Windows 10 (Three full re-installs and two upgrades) without any significant issues other than those outlined in my original post in this Thread.

The biggest issue so far has been making sure that any installed software, especially older versions, will work with or are supported in Windows 10. My recommendation is to uninstall any Software that is not supported before you start, delete or move any downloads to another device or USB stick, empty the Recycle Bin at least once and restart the Computer. Once Windows 10 is installed or upgraded and working well install the latest or a at least a supported version of any software required.

Printer Drivers.
The Windows 10 upgrade process does not always convert printer drivers well during the upgrade especially for more complex or networked printers. Make sure you check to see if your printer has a specific Windows 10 driver before starting the upgrade and if it does download and install it after the upgrade is completed. Make sure you fully uninstall the upgraded one first and restart your computer at least once before installing the new driver.

Watch out.
One worrying and potentially serious development that I have not personally seen yet is outlined in this Blog Post, it's always important to check and confirm that you are actually using a legitimate method or link to perform your upgrade, in other words ALWAYS check it out first . . .

"Victor Smith, MBA, CSP Windows 10 is very cool but as I said in my recent post: "...We are starting to see clients who have clicked on links in emails they received from update@microsoft.com with "free Windows update" in the subject box. These emails are not from Microsoft and opening them and clicking on a link can result in your computer's files being encrypted during the Windows 10 upgrade process. In order to obtain the "key" to unencrypt your files, you must pay a ransom. The ransom is paid in bitcoin, a virtual currency, which prevents these payment transactions from being tracked. Sorry, uninstalling the Windows 10 update to go back does not result in solving the encryption problem. So far, other than paying the ransom, the only way to solve the problem is to do a fresh Windows installation. Hopefully, you have reliable backups of your data..."

gabba · « **Reply #5 on:** December 23, 2015, 11:36:43 AM »

Interesting stuff David - thanks for keeping us updated.

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts / experience after having run Windows 10 for a while. On one of my PC's I would have to say the build is now flakey at best. Things take alot longer to load on startup (although there are no new startup items). The sound driver drops out randomly after not being used - possibly in conjunction when the PC goes to sleep, then on going to wake, doesn't load without a reboot, or after about 5 mins. Also shutdown taking a long time (5 mins or so) and then crashing and rebooting.

Some of the issues I've worked around, but they do seem to be getting worse, so I'll probably do a clean install. Just wondering if anyone else was finding the same?

ato2 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 23, 2015, 02:18:47 PM »

My own experience after numerous installs and test drives is that it worked fine enough but had no compelling features for me to want to use as my daily driver.
In addition, I could not change the system fonts to what I wanted- just stuck with the default font which I don't find especially clear. That really gets to me.

Babs · « **Reply #7 on:** December 23, 2015, 03:44:20 PM »

I literally loathe windows 10, I can't find a #&@% on it that I am looking for, mind you I only turn my PC on once a week so I guess it's my own fault for not using it and getting used to all the features.

I watched my 13 year old grandson who has learning difficulties use my PC last week and he took to Windows 10 like a duck takes to water, could be that it's designed for male brains!

I much prefer my tablet and Smart Phone

Phil · « **Reply #8 on:** December 23, 2015, 09:18:05 PM »

I did complete installs on all three of my computers and have had no issues, apart from my Brother MFCL9550CDW printer which needed a new driver.
But so far so good

Martin4Jay · « **Reply #9 on:** December 23, 2015, 10:44:10 PM »

I have been on Windows 10 for a couple of months now and I have had no issues but I am from the uk not sure that would make any different with updates, The only gripe I would say is they are not using internet explorer so you cant add them to the start bar but there away around it if you "open the internet page what Microsoft use, go to the far left click the 3 dots you then have the option to use the internet explorer and you can put it on your start bar"

Here is an attachment were I put the blue arrow, I hope this helps you.

JennyLeez · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2016, 10:46:44 AM »

Windows 10, bring it on Microsoft, make my day.

I have been following your posts on the side chat David and ato2 but decided to post here instead of consuming the chat board.

Mainly yes I do like the layout of Windows 10 and the fact the shortcuts are back where they should be making life much easier for a tech. Windows 8 was to slow to work on. Not in speed but in accessibility of the apps.

But it is definitely not stable. PC after PC are appearing in the workshop screwed. Branded new machines are being bought corrupt from the start. Usually hardware not compatible.

Microsoft in their wisdom decided all user using windows 7 or 8 should upgrade to windows 10. So a very annoying update notice has been installed pushing users to upgrade. Those with common sense are seeking advice but those who just willy nilly click away are just clicking on 'Ok'.

Windows 10 is definitely not compatible with all machines and the upgrade a huge risk. The restore function is also not always available making the risk even bigger.
Take a 6 year old laptop running windows 7. Do you think the upgrade took? Nope. Was the restore function available. Yes but only for windows 10!!!!!!

Adding an upgrade to windows 10 as a windows updates to all machines is crazy but on the plus side it is keeping me in business so bring it on Microsoft

As a footnote. Whats with these big companies and ignorant sales people.
Windows 10 and 2GB RAM. You have got to be joking and yet this is what they are selling. You want slow, buy one of these, they are shocking and what a rip off. The consumer does not realise this until setup has been completed and by then the machine is considered 'used'. No swap and no refund.

As a tech, is this all making me angry... sure is

ato2 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2016, 12:34:03 PM »

Yes, I have tried out Win 10 so many times and it still isn't what it should be. It reminds me of having installed a Release Candidate and hoping the next lot of upgrades will settle it down.
Have used it on a new laptop, and my well speced desktop (3 years old). Greatest strength of Win 10 is the easy ability to roll back to the previous OS (Win 8.1 Pro and Win 7).
To be honest, if I had the choice of only Windows 10 I would pick a well supported Linux distro with a traditional desktop. Less trouble, more control.

TonyC · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2016, 08:55:17 PM »

Re-installing an Epson Workforce printer on my win7 machine when it decided to upgrade on it's own volition Windows10. Bombed out halfway through, because of graphics drivers and I've had to do a complete re-install. Have given in and re-installed Windows10 from scratch so it doesn't happen again.
Windows10 upgrade doesn't like old version of Nvidia drivers.

ato2 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 13, 2016, 09:31:45 AM »

I have a feeling that doing something like that seems to trigger the upgrade, whether you like it or not...I don't have Microsoft's Office on my machine for that reason, either

TonyC · « **Reply #14 on:** February 13, 2016, 09:58:48 AM »

I've found out why the upgrade bombed. I'm running dual monitors on a Nvidia 430GT card.
I didn't turn the second monitor off when I did the Win10 clean install and the graphics driver shows a problem when viewed in the Device Manager if both monitors are on. When I turn the second one off and re-boot the device manager is happy. Good thing I have a laptop. Looks like a long journey to get the PC back up to the previous state.

cheers
TC

ato2 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 03, 2016, 08:47:44 AM »

Just thought that I would check in on this one again.

In the end, last month, I clean installed Windows 10 Pro on both my laptop and desktop. Plus I put Win 10 Home on my partner's laptop after the anniversary update.
Seems to be quite successful, all around, this time.

News:

Author Topic: Windows 10 Upgrades - Notes from the Field (Read 9269 times)