Upgrading to windows 10

[hardheadedwoman]

Hi

My mum's PC is having problems with windows updates (she's windows 7). I've tried a whole raft of things including clearing the cache etc but nothing's worked. The error fail code indicates a virus but I've run every virus scanner and they all say the PC is clear.

So I'm thinking of saving everything and reinstalling windows. Questions:

They don't have the original windows 7 disk. If I buy a new one with a new product key will this cause problems?

If I buy a windows 10 disc will the upgrade have the same effect of wiping out any problems and starting afresh?

Thanks v m in advance

[cdtaylornats]

Check to see if the product key is on a sticker anywhere on the PC - if there is then you can download Win 7 from here www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/recover-windows-how-to-reinstall-your-system-1130294

If you can't find the product key then download then go to
www.belarc.com/en/free_download.html

Read the page and download the advisor and run it, that will produce a page where you will find your windows license key in the Software section listed as Microsoft - Windows 7 Professional (x64) or similar.

Once you have the key see Win 7 download above - make sure you download the one appropriate for your key.

[hardheadedwoman]

Thanks cdtaylor - v useful

Once I follow these steps to reinstall, will I need to download many years of updates or do these recent installs take account of updates since W7 was launched?

[cdtaylornats]

If it is a download install then all but the latest updates will be included.

[hardheadedwoman]

Great - many thanks