Do I need a boot disc before I do a clean reinstall of windows 10 pro?

[cooleyedbabe]

I upgraded this computer from windows 7 to windows 10 home;

then upgraded to windows 10 pro.

No boot disc or any other software was included with the purchase of this pc.

I want to do a clean re-install of windows 10 pro.  I was told I need to get a boot disc from HP.

Do I really need to do that?  If so, how?

I am not sure if I posted this under the right subject...

Also, what happened to HP Chat?

Thanks,

Jeri

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

colleyedbabe

Hello;

Allow me to welcome you to the HP forums!

What you were told is incorrect.  If your PC had come preinstalled with Win10 from HP, you WOULD need media from HP in order to reinstall Win10 -- but that is not the case with your PC.

Since you have already activated your PC with Win10 Pro, that information has been saved on the Microsoft Activation servers.  So, when you reinstall using that same version, when you reconnect to the Internet, your Win10 will automatically be reactivated, as well.

Yo can download and create Win10 install media from this link: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/media-creation-tool-install?ocid=ms_wol_win10

Note that when you go do download and build install media, the tool defaults to matching what is already installed on your PC (as in, Home for Home, 64-bit for 64-bit). While you CAN change these settings, do NOT. If you do, the resulting media will be different and will force you to enter a NEW product code!

Then, reboot from that media and install Win10.

Good Luck

[cooleyedbabe]

Thank you so much for the welcome and for your prompt response! 

I will back up my files on SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive.

If I get lost in the re-install process I will post for "HELP"!