Hi. I have a failing HDD (SMART attribute is failing under raw read error rate). I have a Windows 7 key under the little service cover on my HP DM1Z. If I put in a new HDD and boot into a Windows 7 install via USB, can I use that key to reinstall Windows?
If my HDD dies, can I reinstall Windows 7 on a new HDD with the same key?
- Thread starter Whib96
- Start date
Solution
electrontau
Distinguished
- Dec 1, 2010
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SuperSoph_WD
Glorious
- Jul 30, 2014
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Hey there, Whib96!
Yes, you shouldn't have any problem installing Windows with the same original product key on your laptop.
The OS communicates with the motherboard, so as long as that stays the same you shouldn't face any issues re-installing.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD
Yes, you shouldn't have any problem installing Windows with the same original product key on your laptop.
The OS communicates with the motherboard, so as long as that stays the same you shouldn't face any issues re-installing.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
Sort of...
Where are you getting this copy of Windows 7 from? If you have to "borrow" it then you might have to learn how to change the code to the one your laptop has so might not be so simple.
*A better solution, if possible, is to CLONE to the new drive or create a backup Image to another drive and restore that. Here's a good free cloning utility:
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
I suggest getting a USB hard drive, then create a backup IMAGE since it's not certain your current HDD will fail. If it does, then you can just buy a new one and restore to the last backup Image you made.
Where are you getting this copy of Windows 7 from? If you have to "borrow" it then you might have to learn how to change the code to the one your laptop has so might not be so simple.
*A better solution, if possible, is to CLONE to the new drive or create a backup Image to another drive and restore that. Here's a good free cloning utility:
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
I suggest getting a USB hard drive, then create a backup IMAGE since it's not certain your current HDD will fail. If it does, then you can just buy a new one and restore to the last backup Image you made.
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