HP 2000-bf69WM - Cannot Update to 8.1 or 10 - Why??

[NXS]

Guys, I've done everything I can think of to get this system upgraded to both Windows 8.1 and 10 to no avail.  Both of them will start the download process, will unpack and begin installation, but when the system reboots, it hangs at the post screen with nothing but the blue HP circle logo.  I let it sit for 12 hours on this screen (while I slept) and woke up with it still sitting at that screen.  I've tried a clean boot, I've uninstalled all third party software, and I've restored the system to its original, factory state and completed all Windows Updates (or so it says) but I cannot get any operating system other than the pre-loaded Windows 8 to work. 

Does anyone have any idea as to why this is happening?  Is this system so cheap that it cannot be upgraded (i.e. Walmart Special) or am I just missing something? 

Any help would be appreciated because I am stumped and have no idea as to what the issue is. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Instead of using the download, make the DVD, and upgrade from that (run it from the windows desktop), and see if that works.

Skip the check for updates, just go straight to installing W10.  Otherwise it will set there checking for updates until who knows when.

You can make the DVD by using the Media Creation tool at the link below.

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

Burn it to a DVD using the Burn ISO file on your DVD burning program, or use the ISO to USB/DVD tool linked on that page.

[NXS]

Paul:

I do not have any blank DVDs atm, so I will have to wait until tomorrow to try, but try I shall!  I'll message back accordingly once I get some blank media!  Thanks for your suggestion!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[NXS · Accepted solution]

Paul:

I've found a solution that worked for me (thanks to your initial help) and have managed to update the system to Windows 10!  Thank you for your help.  Now I'll explain how I managed to accomplish the upgrade so that anyone else with this system will can potentially resolove their problem.

Tools Needed: 

Microsoft Media Creation Tool (Use the link provided above in Paul's post) - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

PowerISO (Virtual Image Utility and Mount-Capable Virtual Disc Drive) - http://www.poweriso.com/download.php

First of all, I must stress that process started with me taking the system completely back to its new, out-of-the-box settings using F11's system restore option under advanced settings (I chose minimal installation).  So, that said, if you have files on your system that you want to keep (in the event that an upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 10 isn't working via the downloadable Windows Update file), back them up or copy them over to an external hard drive or USB drive first.  Now, then--on to the process. 

Download the Media Creation Tool, install, and allow it to create the Windows.iso file (do this by selecting create bootable media and selecting DVD when given the choice between USB or DVD media).  Save the file to your desktop.  

Once the Windows.iso file has been created, download and install PowerISO (if you haven't already).  Enable Virtual Drive by checking the box and proceed with the installation.  When PowerISO has completed installation, run the program and click on the Mount button.  Set the Number of Drives to 1 (should appear as F: ).  This will require a system restart so restart the laptop and then once that's done, launch PowerISO again, click the Mount button again and this time select Mount Image to Drive [F], navigate to your desktop and select the Windows.iso file you created earlier.

Now, navigate to "This PC" where you should now see two DVD drives.  Select the one that says CD Drive (F: ) ESD-ISO (or the one that looks like the PowerISO logo if the drive name is different) by double clicking it.  If you've done everything right, the Windows 10 installation launcher should begin.  Follow the steps for that and allow the setup to carry out.  

The system will restart a couple of times, but this time, instead of a blank HP logo screen, you will see the spinning-dot wheel and know that the installation is working.  If it completes this first restart successfully and proceeds with the update, you should be all set and the Windows 10 upgrade should carry out without issue. 

Again, this process worked for me from a fresh factory-reset version of Windows 8 with NO updates installed and no other applications than the ones I mentioned for use.  Once the Windows 10 upgrade completes, go to Device Manager and make sure that nothing needs updated.  In my instance, the card reader needed an update, so it was at that point that I put the system back online, right-clicked on the card reader that needed updating, selected Update Driver and allowed Windows to automatically search for and install the appropriate driver (which it did).  For the rest of the drivers, they will come via Windows Updates or through AMD's website. 

That's pretty much everything!  Thanks again, Paul, for your help!  I hope I am also able to help someone else that runs into this issue! 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

It is great news that you were able to get your notebook upgraded to W10.