Windows 10 Clean Install

First thing to emphasise is I'd already done the upgrade... so MS know who I am.
Second thing is I'm using a Microsoft e-mail (my_id@live.co.uk) account to log in with.
These two steps are important to the success of the process.
Also check that your upgraded win 10 is activated

Last night the telly was appalling - so I decided that it was a sign to do a proper job ... and have a go at performing a clean install with my Win 10 .ISO.

It's been posted elsewhere ... but if you want to make an .ISO or USB memory stick of the install files download the media creator from here. It's easy to do ... and everyone should have one ... before you need it.
http://ift.tt/1JAhRWf

So I was using a DVD ... it could just as easily have been the USB stick.

Insert the DVD ... restart the machine ... press any key to boot from DVD/USB.
The installer starts ...

Select your country settings
Select the install Now option.
You'll then be asked to enter your product key DON't - instead cick skip
If you can't ... enter a serial number which will be refused ... and then click do this later.

Accept the license.
Then select Custom install Windows
(First time it's the upgrade ... second time it's a custom install)

Then you'll be asked Where to install

On a "standard" machine this will look something like


Select your windows partition ...
I then clicked Delete **Yes this will do what it says - so BACK UP your Data FIRST!!!**

Make sure the partition (now showing as Unallocated Space is still selected.
Click Next
Work your way through the screens.
*IF AT ANY POINT YOU ARE ASKED FOR A SERIAL NUMBER - CLICK NEXT**
Hold your nerve !!! (it passes the time :D)

There will be the usual whizzing and banging, clicking and flashes!!

Eventually (about half an hour) you'll be asked a few configuration questions ... and then
You'll be asked to LOG ON (using a PIN may be offered ... DON't!! (not yet!)

Make the first log in an online logon using your MS e-mail

Have a bit of a look round - check drivers etc.

Then Restart ... log in again using your MS e-mail.

And that should be the Job Done!

Menu | Settings | account - should show you as activated.

You can then logon using any option you want.

I'm sure there are other ways of doing this (probably better written up too)
But I can confirm that this worked for me.

I have a cleanly installed - activated, completely legal windows 10 :D

Windows 10 Clean Install