Procedure Check - Upgrade to Windows 10 with hardware upgrades

[thejudge0081]

I have a Dell Precision m4800 that came with Windows 7 Pro, a single SSD, and BIOS SATA operation mode set to "raid on." I want to switch that to AHCI so that I can add a second drive for data only. I also want to have a clean Windows 10 installation.

I had upgraded to windows 10, but after receiving earlier procedure recommendations, I reverted back to Windows 7 and installed the latest BIOS update. Then I made my factory restore USB (yes I should have done that first). Will the following procedure work? Is anything unnecessary or out of order?

1. Download all applicable drivers from Dell to a USB drive.

2. Download Windows 10 ISO, and use Microsoft tool to create the USB installation media (for later)

3. Open laptop and add 2nd drive and caddy to the optical bay.

4. Boot with Windows 7 Pro factory restore media plugged in and access BIOS. Change SATA operation to AHCI. Change boot order to USB first. Reinstall OS using factory restore media. Switch boot order back to SSD on first windows 7 installation restart.

5. Windows 7 updates. I think the drivers were included in creating the restore media.

6. Upgrade to Windows 10 again from Microsoft website. (not clean install)

7. Wipe hard drive using Parted Magic on a bootable USB. (this isn't necessary for my goal, but now is a good time to handle some file security, and I think this is probably the best step to do it. I am aware that this puts a small dent in my SSD lifespan.)

8. Clean install Windows 10 from USB, and install drivers from Dell website.

Does this all make sense?
Thanks!

 

[thejudge0081]

I've read now that Windows accepts Windows 7 keys for clean Windows 10 installations.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/next-big-windows-10-release-will-ease-activation-hassles/

I THINK that means my procedure can be simplified to:

1. Download drivers.
2. Download / Create USB for Win10.
3. Add 2nd HD.
4. Wipe 1st hard drive w/ Parted Magic.
5. Boot with Win10 USB. BIOS changes as mentioned above.
6. Drivers.

Can anyone confirm that this works?
Thank you!

 

[thejudge0081]

Closing the loop on this: this is solved. I didn't need to download drivers, so steps 2-5 above worked fine.

If I could pick my own response as the solution to make this green, I would. There are lots of great articles and posts on this website, which were very helpful. Thanks folks!