Swapping hdd with new sdd, how to keep or install windows 8

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legendaryfighter

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Jul 21, 2014
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Hi,

So i have a HP laptop that came pre installed with windows 8, i have upgraded to windows 8.1.

I plan to change the existing hdd with an ssd.

Now my question is how do i install windows 8 onto my new ssd? i have the product key for windows 8 as well.

 
Solution
Saga Lout
With a CD burned with EaseUs free cloning software and a USB converter for the new disk to use temporarily, you can clone your existing system and all your personal files on to the SSD.

Cloning is a "warts and all" action so anything the present system has wrong with it wil transfer to the copy. Therefore, you need to make sure you declutter and scan with your anti-virus and Windows Defender before making the clone.
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Saga Lout

Saga Lout

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Mar 31, 2010
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With a CD burned with EaseUs free cloning software and a USB converter for the new disk to use temporarily, you can clone your existing system and all your personal files on to the SSD.

Cloning is a "warts and all" action so anything the present system has wrong with it wil transfer to the copy. Therefore, you need to make sure you declutter and scan with your anti-virus and Windows Defender before making the clone.
 
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Solution
L

legendaryfighter

Reputable
Jul 21, 2014
6
0
4,510


thanks for the reply, I tried this just recently but i get a message "This product key cannot be used to install a retail version of windows 8."

Now if my memory serves correctly aren't most laptops which have pre installed windows on them have the product key embedded into the motherboard which will just simply activate itself? because i have an original windows 8.1 disc and product key that i used to install my desktop, but i have read if i wanted the key to retrieve on my laptop and be activated i needed to install windows 8 and not windows 8.1 ?

cheers.
 
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Saga Lout

Saga Lout

Retired Mod
Mar 31, 2010
24,042
310
69,740
That should work and then so should the upgrade to 8.1 if you go to the store when the invitation pops up. Software that can track down the key will usually sometimes hand you down the OEM's master key.

Also, the upgrade to Windows 10 should be automatic in quite a short while, I believe. It is better than 10 but not, in just one man's opinion, better than 7.
 
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