Installed a new HDD, do I need to buy a new Windows 7 CD?

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kanji7421

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Mar 28, 2013
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Hi, I have a Samsung series 7 laptop, after a fall while the computer was on, the OS kept running on "Windows is Starting..." I had bought a new HDD, I installed the HDD (the laptop starts, BIOS recognizes the HDD), now the screen lights on and off continuously.

My first question is, is the way the screen acting normal? Is it only acting that way because of no installed OS? And most important to my wallet...will I have to buy a new Windows 7 install disc?
 
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J_E_D_70

J_E_D_70

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Mar 21, 2012
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Should be able to use the recovery disk that came with the system. If it didn't come with one it should have prompted you, or had instructions with the system, on how to make one. If that wasn't done, you can contact Samsung for a restore disk that should cost less than buying Windows new.

Not sure about the screen behavior.
 
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caponewgp86

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Oct 5, 2009
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The person above is correct. Typically seperate partitions are included on the original hard drive that contain your recovery information. However in your case your hard drive died so no luck. What you can do is contact samsung and order a replacement dvd. Typically the dvd is free but they will charge shipping. Or you can find a Official Windows 7 trial release online. Yes Microsoft does let you download the real OS but typically only 90 day trials. Then look on your laptop for the Windows serial key. Use that key to register Windows 7 after you install it. This is what I did when my HP laptop hard drive died. Just make sure you download the same exact version of Windows that you initally had. So if you were using Home 32bit then u need to download that version.
 
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EnderWiggin

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Dec 11, 2009
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Usually when there is no OS on a hard drive, you should see an error message displayed in the BIOS POST screen, which would typically be just white text on a black background. If you are seeing some actual flashing like the display is turning on and off, there might be a more serious issue because of the drop. On another PC, download Ubuntu and create a bootable DVD or Flash drive and boot the laptop to that OS. If all works fine, then your laptop is okay.
 
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whiteodian

whiteodian

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Apr 8, 2010
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I recently used my Windows 7 OEM disc to restore someone's laptop. I couldn't activate it over the internets, but did the call in thing and used the automated system and had it activated. You know anyone with a spare disc that is the same version as yours (Home, Premium, etc.)? I also wanted to mention that I used their key (usually on the bottom of the laptop, but possibly under the battery) to install Windows.

There may be some system diagnostics on your laptop. Try pressing F12 as it turns on. Also, does the BIOS display correctly when you are in it? If you have the issue in the BIOS, chances are your system is damaged. You could also try to output to external monitor or TV if either of those are available. I'm not sure if the system will detect them without the OS to tell it to output to there.
 
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