Laptop upgrade questions.

[Larry Litmanen]

So few years ago i got an Acer laptop with Win 8 on it and i'll be honest it was a horrible purchase. I almost never use it and CD Rom broke, but PC does have a Core i5 in it so i thought if i upgrade a few parts and add Windows 10 maybe it can become a nice unit that can be usable for 2-3 years. My GF needs a new laptop so i though why not fix and upgrade this one for her and at the same time satisfy the urge to upgrade a PC in me (lol).

I just purchased a 240 GB SSD and a new DVD drive for the laptop so here's the issue i am having. I do not have the Windows serial number, laptop has legit copy but MS no longer provides a sticker with the licence key and i do not have a Windows disk that came with PC and i do not want to pay ACER like $50 to get the disk and licence key, when installing a new SSD will i be asked to enter the serial number for the OS? If so where do i get it?

Also, do i have to go into BIOS and change the ACHI mode (i recall doing that when i was upgrading my old PC).

Yesterday i did a complete uninstall on that laptop to make sure the GF gets a fresh system, i did all the updates however i now do not have that Window 10 upgrade notification, the laptop is worthless with Win 8 on it. I do not see the option of getting an upgrade in Microsoft store (digital store on the metro menu), they just have Win 8.1.


I did build my own PC, but i never did a laptop upgrade before, is any advice is highly appreciated.

I spend $88 on the 240 GB SSD and a DVD Drive, i know financially it is probably a mistake, but like i said i really like the project side of it, but do you think this is a disaster and it is much better to just get a new PC?


PC name and specs

Acer Laptop Aspire E1-571-6837

Intel Core i5 3230M (2.60GHz)
4 GB Memory 500 GB HDD
Intel HD Graphics 4000
1366 x 768
Windows 8
8X DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive

 

[James Mason]

Upgrade to 8.1 first, than to 10.

"Windows Offer Details

Yes, free! This upgrade offer is for a full version of Windows 10, not a trial. 3GB download required; internet access fees may apply. To take advantage of this free offer, you must upgrade to Windows 10 within one year of availability. Once you upgrade, you have Windows 10 for free on that device.

Windows 10 Upgrade Offer is valid for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices, including devices you already own. Some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device and market. The availability of Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices may vary by OEM, mobile operator or carrier. Devices must be connected to the internet and have Windows Update enabled. Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1. Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 enterprise offerings outside of this offer. To check for compatibility and other important installation information, visit your device manufacturer’s website and the Windows 10 Specifications page. Windows 10 is automatically updated. Additional requirements may apply over time for updates.

2 The availability of Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices may vary by OEM, mobile operator or carrier."