Windows 7 From HDD to SSD without CD or Key (Migration)

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Tanevoli

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Apr 16, 2013
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Hey guys,

I'll keep it short and sweet. My girlfriend's computer was built by somebody else, and she wasn't given the Windows 7 CD nor the product key. She wants to upgrade to an SSD, and although a clean install would be preferred, it's not gonna happen without at least the product key. So, I was going to migrate the entire HDD to an SSD (yes, there will be enough space, I made sure). However, as I've never done a migration before I'm on the paranoid side. Will I be able to migrate the OS to the SSD without any problems regarding the OS (particularly entering the product key)?

Thanks
 
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boosted1g

Titan
Jun 12, 2013
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You can use macrium reflect or other disk tools to copy the hdd to the ssd. Now sometimes this causes issues so a fresh install of windows is advised.

If your pc does not have a windows key on it then it is likely that it is pirated. Is the version Windows 7 Ultimate by any chance??

You can use a software called produkey to get your windows key and then you can download the OS from digitalriver.
You can then either burn the iso to a disk or use Win 7 DVD Tool to make a bootable USB drive that is much faster then DVD

When installing the SSD make sure to set sata mode in BIOS to AHCI. (if you copy the hdd to the ssd you will need to edit registry before switching to AHCI).
 
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SnotNoseKid

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Jul 1, 2012
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Yes.
I purchased an Intel SSD which came with the Intel Data Migration tool. Cleaned off the HDD and migrated the whole disk to the SSD, booted like nothing had changed. Check to see if your new SSD comes with some form of data migration tool and possibly the cables to do it.



 
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Tanevoli

Honorable
Apr 16, 2013
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10,510


Thanks for the reply. It's Windows 7 Home Premium. My girlfriend had purchased all the components prior to having it built, she just never received the boxes or anything back as she didn't want/need them. Unfortunately, that meant she didn't get the Windows 7 Disc back, and she hadn't written down the product key. I do believe it was genuinely installed without pirating, but that is beyond the point. I know a fresh install would be better and honestly easier because I have experience with that. If I do data migration to completely clone the HDD to the SSD (including the OS), will I need the product key or would I be fine until she can get another key?

Thanks
 
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Tanevoli

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Apr 16, 2013
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Thanks. It does come with data migration, so not having a key will be fine for the time being?
 
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ArtPog

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Sep 17, 2014
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ArtPog

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Sep 17, 2014
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ArtPog

Admirable
Sep 17, 2014
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Are you absolutely certain the Win 7 OS has not been activated? Have you accessed Control Panel > System to determine that? The fact that your girlfriend does not have the product key is not necessarily absolute evidence that the system is not activated.

So if there has been a valid activation of the system you will not need another product key. And then you can clone your girlfriend's system to a new SSD without any problem.
 
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