My display broke on my old dell laptop, I can use it via an external monitor, but I consider buying the same laptop used from someone and just switch my old hdd into the new one. Will there be problems with windows (the graphic cards are only different, everything else is same, since same dell model)? I consider this solution since I quickly need to finish my thesis, without installing (and procure) all the programs anew and do all the adjustments on new (used) laptop anew.
Can I change hdd from old dell laptop simply to same new dell laptop model?
- Thread starter MirsoTula
- Start date
Solution
geofelt
Titan
- Oct 9, 2006
- 54,307
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No, the windows you are using is OEM and the license is tied to the original motherboard.
You might be able to transfer the drive to an exact replacement.
But, windows will detect a different motherboard and may refuse to activate.
The process may require you to phone Microsoft where you can plead your case.
They may activate so long as they know that the copy of windows is used nowhere else.
Or, you may be able to reactivate using the activation key which is on the new laptop.
It will be on a sticker somewhere.
You can also get the key by running a free app called "magical jellybean keyfinder".
I suggest you continue finishing your thesis using the external monitor.
Only when you have some down time do the exchange.
Another option would be to buy a replacement laptop display.
Lastly, buy a ssd to replace your laptop hard drive. It will transform the performance.
You might be able to transfer the drive to an exact replacement.
But, windows will detect a different motherboard and may refuse to activate.
The process may require you to phone Microsoft where you can plead your case.
They may activate so long as they know that the copy of windows is used nowhere else.
Or, you may be able to reactivate using the activation key which is on the new laptop.
It will be on a sticker somewhere.
You can also get the key by running a free app called "magical jellybean keyfinder".
I suggest you continue finishing your thesis using the external monitor.
Only when you have some down time do the exchange.
Another option would be to buy a replacement laptop display.
Lastly, buy a ssd to replace your laptop hard drive. It will transform the performance.
Should work.
Call your current laptop = current laptop
Call the "buy a used laptop, same exact model" = second laptop
1. Buy the used laptop. Make sure it has the same version of windows (32bit vs 64, etc.) and also get an external HDD larger than the laptop HDD if you do not already have one. Your thesis needs a backup anyway if you don't already have one.
2. Record the windows key from the second laptop.
3. Do an image backup of your current laptop hard drive to the external HDD.
4. Turn off network on the second laptop (airplane mode)
5. Restore the image backup to the second laptop you purchased. This way your current data and HDD are not at risk, which they would be if you moved the disk physically.
6. Leaving netowrk off try to boot the second laptop. If the components are the same it will boot. If there are minor differences it should still boot then do some "new hardware found".
7. Change the windows key on the second laptop from the key that came with the image copy back to the original windows key.
8. Re-enable networking and do a few reboots. Force windows update to run. You should now be all set.
Good Luck.
p.s. Sometimes the same model PC does not use the same exact hardware. For example, my thinkpad x40 years ago had different LCD panel hardware. But it's very unlikely that there will be enough difference in required chipset drivers that you cannot boot.
Call your current laptop = current laptop
Call the "buy a used laptop, same exact model" = second laptop
1. Buy the used laptop. Make sure it has the same version of windows (32bit vs 64, etc.) and also get an external HDD larger than the laptop HDD if you do not already have one. Your thesis needs a backup anyway if you don't already have one.
2. Record the windows key from the second laptop.
3. Do an image backup of your current laptop hard drive to the external HDD.
4. Turn off network on the second laptop (airplane mode)
5. Restore the image backup to the second laptop you purchased. This way your current data and HDD are not at risk, which they would be if you moved the disk physically.
6. Leaving netowrk off try to boot the second laptop. If the components are the same it will boot. If there are minor differences it should still boot then do some "new hardware found".
7. Change the windows key on the second laptop from the key that came with the image copy back to the original windows key.
8. Re-enable networking and do a few reboots. Force windows update to run. You should now be all set.
Good Luck.
p.s. Sometimes the same model PC does not use the same exact hardware. For example, my thinkpad x40 years ago had different LCD panel hardware. But it's very unlikely that there will be enough difference in required chipset drivers that you cannot boot.
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