Laptop HDD is dying, need help with OS fast

Kester135

Honorable
Jan 21, 2014
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My laptop HDD is on the way out and could go at a moments notice, I have no problem backing up files on another computer, installing the new hard drive, however my laptop had windows pre installed as most do, I can boot from usb and whatever but what about the key, am I expected to buy a new one, because I don't have £100 just lying around.
 
Solution


If the drive is still semi-functional, any of the current migration tools might work.
Macrium Reflect, Easus Todo, Acronis Trueimage, Casper.

If your laptop does not have provision for two drives, you will need an external dock or similar.

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


If the drive is still semi-functional, any of the current migration tools might work.
Macrium Reflect, Easus Todo, Acronis Trueimage, Casper.

If your laptop does not have provision for two drives, you will need an external dock or similar.
 
Solution

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
What OS did you laptop come with?

If it's W8 or later, the 'key' I believe is stored in the BIOS/Mobo (not sure of the inner workings). AFAIK, changing the HDD does not classify as "significantly changing the hardware" and you should be ok. You would just need to reinstall windows from USB or disc and it should activate when you connect to the internet (W10 works the same way).

Unfortunately, if it's windows 7 or prior, you do need the key. As Milheim says, it should be on a product sticker underneath your laptop (sometimes beneath the battery).

If windows has been reinstalled before, you could use a key 'grabber', as there are numerous programs out there that will do this. If the OS is as it came from the factory however, then this won't be possible, as it's grab a generic key that won't work for re-activation.

If it
 

Kester135

Honorable
Jan 21, 2014
53
0
10,640


yes it came with windows 8 and is currently on windows 10, should I use the 8 installer or the 10 installer