buying used laptop without OS

ugabulldog said:
I am waiting for laptop to be delivered. I am fairly confident I can save windows 10 to a 8gb usb flash drive an another computer, and boot from usb on the laptop...… I looked up the specs for dell E5440 and it says it has a hybrid drive. I am confused on if the highlighted above will apply, and if so, how to go about making sure AHCI is enabled in BIOS? Thanks
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It most likely is already in that mode. As long as you set it to that before you install Windows you'll be fine.
 
Ok, laptop arrived. I am still waiting on usb flash drive.... First off, sticker on back says windows 8 pro, I don't see a product key sticker anywhere.... When I turn on laptop, it says "invalid partition table!" When I hit F2 key when starting, the screen in pic appears, I can scroll thru options with arrows and enter key but mouse curser does not move at all when I use mousepad on laptop?? ...btw, If cursor should be moving, please let me know before going any further, and I will send laptop back.

UPDATE: trackpad is working now, not sure why it didn't at first.
 

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You need to install Windows 10 Pro and it should activate on its own. Trackpad not working in BIOS is a little weird but you might just have it disabled. If it doesn't work in Windows that's a different story. There's usually a trackpad toggle key somewhere too.
 
Attach a usb mouse and reboot and see if it works. If it does then either trackpad is disabled or its broke.
 
Darren said:
You need to install Windows 10 Pro and it should activate on its own. Trackpad not working in BIOS is a little weird but you might just have it disabled. If it doesn't work in Windows that's a different story. There's usually a trackpad toggle key somewhere too.
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Ok, update: trackpad is working now, not sure why it wasn't before.... In order to install windows 10 from flash drive, I assume I need to change boot order in bios? I have the following questions, assuming screen in picture is where I make changes to boot sequence?

- the first pic shows Boot Sequence, I have USB first, should I uncheck all other options? And once 10 is installed I need to go back in a select internal HDD as first?
- Underneath is Boot list option: Legacy or UEFI, which should I select? (first pic also)
-second pic, Advanced Boot Options: should "Enable Legacy Option ROM's be checked or unchecked?
- anything else?

Lastly: Do I need a product key when downloading windows 10 to flash drive, or will I not need one until I install on laptop? if it is former, is there a way to get it off laptop (if not I will have to buy one), if it is the latter, will I not need one at all as it is embedded in laptop?

I may be getting ahead of myself with this question, but if and when I get 10 set up, do I need to go back into bios and change any of the settings back?

Thanks
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IMG_2197.JPG IMG_2196.JPG IMG_2198.JPG I finally got flash drive and am trying to install windows 10. I have gotten as far as selecting US keyboard screen, and licensing terms. Then the first picture screen comes up, when I select "upgrade install" the second picture comes up, when I hit close, it starts back over setting up windows. When I select "custom install" the third screen comes up, is the correct way to proceed and I should click next? Thanks
 
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