windows 10 usb key

[fleflikr]

I recently went to best buy and purchased windows 10 home.
When I got home I opened the box it was in usb form. Problem is my computer is old and I cant boot to usb. Can I download official iso form Microsoft, burn image to dvd, install then use store bought usb key to activate?. Dont know what else to do.

 

[nerp]

Yes. Is there a product key in the package? If so, you can just use that to activate. The actual copy, whether it's DVD or USB key, doesn't matter. Just be sure to install Windows 10 home if that's what you bought.

 

[Puffnstuff]

You can also use the media creation tool which is run inside of windows to upgrade to 10 which will save you time and doesn't require anything special but the key.

 

[fleflikr]

Thanks for the quick response. Trying to install on a new hd as well. Iso seems to be hanging. There's just a pict. Of Windows 10 logo but no hd led action. Hope it takes hold.

 

[Puffnstuff]

Did you set the bios correctly before the install attempt? Also when you said you couldn't install from the usb drive I take it to mean that the bios won't allow you to select the thumb drive as a boot device.

 

[fleflikr]

Bios boot sequence set to DVD1st.....HD 2nd. No usb offered. I'm hoping it's due to the large iso size. Still just windows10 logo. The only other window option I have available is vista 64 bit. Not quite sure what to do here. It's an AMDdual Coe processor. Don't remember the stats but it had vista 64 on old HD.

 

[nerp]

Can you boot into Vista and then run the media creation tool? It has an option to begin the install from there and it will reboot a few times.

 

[fleflikr]

Ok....I installed vista but tool doesn't recognize it. Going to install my upgrade copy of win7 from my other pc. Maybe iso will install. Wish i would have know this was usb. I new I needed DVD for this computer.

 

[nerp]

You'll get it. Install Win 7 then run the updater with the media creation tool software. Then you can get the Windows 10 installer going, enter your new key, get it activated. Then you'll have Windows 10 and can go into settings and "reset my PC" and it will kinda re-do the install but you'll essentially end up with a full, fresh clean install of Windows 10 (no upgrade relics). When it's all done you'll be good to go.

 

[fleflikr]

I want to thank you all for your help. I resolved the issue this morning. Windows 10 64bit does not support my AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor. Once I figured this out windows 10 32bit installed without a hitch. Thanks again.