m400, windows failure to load

[tblough]

When you start the Windows install, it should find the existing installation and ask you if you want to repair it. I would try that first.

[Fueler1]

I have nothing to lose and thought the same. Good idea

[cncsnw]

I have a report that you sent me in October 2023. It is unlikely any of your PLC programming, macros, or machine configuration have changed significantly since then.

At that time you were running CNC12 v4.20.

I will e-mail you a copy of that report. The report contains your license.dat file, so that will take care of "unlocking" CNC12.

Back when your console was built, Centroid typically put the Microsoft sticker with the product key on either the solid-state hard drive, or its frame, or the PC frame. You may see it if you look inside the back of the console. Unfortunately, it would be a Windows 7 product key, which probably won't work to activate Windows 10 (or 11). With luck, reinstalling Windows over the existing installation -- as others have suggested -- will work and activate automatically.

[Fueler1]

Thanks Marc, Got it. Just about ready to take the leap.

[Fueler1]

Concerning setting up the installation software. Does this unit use Windows home or windows pro?

[cncsnw]

Usually Windows Home.

[Fueler1]

I did try the repair option. Started with the startup repair but it could not fix whatever is wrong with it.
So I tried getting into the UEFI. A gray window opened demanding a password. Nothing I tried worked.
Anyone have an idea of what the password might be?

I also tried a full install but got kicked out by the license key. It did not like the one provided by Centroid. I wonder if it has to do with this machine beginning life as Win7.
Thanks

[Fueler1]

Sideways progress.
I found the Win7 license on the inside. It accepted that BUT didn't like the drive setup. See photo with message box.
Underneath the message box is the option to format if that is an option here.

Note: that I also tried this choosing the "I have no license" option and wound up at the same screen..

[cncsnw]

BIOS password is probably "159"

[Centroid_Jacob]

Sideways progress.
I found the Win7 license on the inside. It accepted that BUT didn't like the drive setup. See photo with message box.
Underneath the message box is the option to format if that is an option here.

Note: that I also tried this choosing the "I have no license" option and wound up at the same screen..


Centroid1.jpg

I'm glad you found the Windows 7 license.

You are at the point of no return. You can delete the partitions listed and format the drive then windows will build a new install for you but at that point all previous data will be wiped, there will be nothing left of the previous install.

The message you are getting about the "MBR" install is because this was a Windows 7 system at one point and Windows 10 wants to be installed as the newer "EFI" type instead of the classic "MBR." Installing as "EFI" may require a Bios setting change, on some systems there is a "Boot Mode" option that has the settings "Legacy Boot" and "(U)EFI" Check the bios to see if you have that option before installing as EFI, its unlikely but possible the motherboard doesn't support EFI and in that case then you won't be able to install Windows 10; you would have to install Windows 7 at that point then upgrade to Windows 10 to keep the legacy MBR mode.

Before continuing, what is the motherboard installed in your console? I know Windows 10 was installed but I want to verify that installing Windows 10 over top won't brick the system because of an oversight before you get any deeper in the weeds.