How to install windows on same PC, different drive

[horsemeAT]

I've asked a similar question before, but this one with a different intention. I have a prebuilt computer that came with windows 8.1, it didn't come with an installation disc, or if it did i accidentally threw it away. So to find my windows product key i had to download magic jelly bean key finder. Now i right now have only a 500GB HDD, so i plan to add an SSD to run windows, and a few programs from. I don't want to copy the OS from my current drive over, i want to do a clean install of windows on the SSD. How would i do this?

 

[corroded]

um belarc advisor is the best way to fish out the true key... If this is an HP, Dell,... the key will not work. You'll need the OEM install disk. They are only $free to $40 from mfg.

Or just clone it onto the SSD

 

[Wolfshadw]

If your pre-built did not come with an OS or system recovery disk, it's likely on a (hidden?) partition on your hard drive. Check with your manufacturer's support site to see about creating a restore disk. Once you have that, then it's just a matter of removing your old hard drive, installing the new SSD, and then restoring your system from your restore media.

-Wolf sends

 

[horsemeAT]

If your pre-built did not come with an OS or system recovery disk, it's likely on a (hidden?) partition on your hard drive. Check with your manufacturer's support site to see about creating a restore disk. Once you have that, then it's just a matter of removing your old hard drive, installing the new SSD, and then restoring your system from your restore media.

-Wolf sends

That's the thing, i don't want to backup my previous drive, i would rather have a fresh install of windows. It's on the same PC, same motherboard which means the product key is linked with the mobo, so do i need to get some windows download tool that activates it from product key then installs?

 

[horsemeAT]

um belarc advisor is the best way to fish out the true key... If this is an HP, Dell,... the key will not work. You'll need the OEM install disk. They are only $free to $40 from mfg.

Or just clone it onto the SSD

Why wouldn't the key work? It's the same pc with the same motherboard

 

[Wolfshadw]

If your pre-built did not come with an OS or system recovery disk, it's likely on a (hidden?) partition on your hard drive. Check with your manufacturer's support site to see about creating a restore disk. Once you have that, then it's just a matter of removing your old hard drive, installing the new SSD, and then restoring your system from your restore media.

-Wolf sends

That's the thing, i don't want to backup my previous drive, i would rather have a fresh install of windows. It's on the same PC, same motherboard which means the product key is linked with the mobo, so do i need to get some windows download tool that activates it from product key then installs?

This isn't creating a back up of your current system. This creates install media; essentially a Windows installation DVD, specific to your computer.

-Wolf sends

 

[horsemeAT]

If your pre-built did not come with an OS or system recovery disk, it's likely on a (hidden?) partition on your hard drive. Check with your manufacturer's support site to see about creating a restore disk. Once you have that, then it's just a matter of removing your old hard drive, installing the new SSD, and then restoring your system from your restore media.

-Wolf sends

That's the thing, i don't want to backup my previous drive, i would rather have a fresh install of windows. It's on the same PC, same motherboard which means the product key is linked with the mobo, so do i need to get some windows download tool that activates it from product key then installs?

This isn't creating a back up of your current system. This creates install media; essentially a Windows installation DVD, specific to your computer.

-Wolf sends

Ah thanks, there wouldn't be any conflicts if i just moved everything over any way right?

 

[corroded]

If the Windows key is retail, you are fine...

No, there is not a recovery partition if installed from Retail...

With the Key, you can download the ISO that matches it.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/home _ get ISO

 

[Wolfshadw]

No. If you just cloned your hard drive to the SSD, it should work like a charm (assuming it fits onto the SSD).

-Wolf sends

 

[Wolfshadw]

If the Windows key is retail, you are fine...

No, there is not a recovery partition if installed from Retail...

With the Key, you can download the ISO that matches it.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/home _ get ISO

It's a prebuilt system; meaning it's an OEM version of the OS.

-Wolf sends

 

[horsemeAT]

If the Windows key is retail, you are fine...

No, there is not a recovery partition if installed from Retail...

With the Key, you can download the ISO that matches it.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/home _ get ISO

It's a prebuilt system; meaning it's an OEM version of the OS.

-Wolf sends

You can't use an ISO with OEM windows?

 

[Wolfshadw]

If the Windows key is retail, you are fine...

No, there is not a recovery partition if installed from Retail...

With the Key, you can download the ISO that matches it.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/home _ get ISO

It's a prebuilt system; meaning it's an OEM version of the OS.

-Wolf sends

You can't use an ISO with OEM windows?

As I understand it, OEM product keys are rejected when attempting to download the ISO. I know none of mine worked.

-Wolf sends

 

[horsemeAT]

If the Windows key is retail, you are fine...

No, there is not a recovery partition if installed from Retail...

With the Key, you can download the ISO that matches it.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/home _ get ISO

It's a prebuilt system; meaning it's an OEM version of the OS.

-Wolf sends

You can't use an ISO with OEM windows?

As I understand it, OEM product keys are rejected when attempting to download the ISO. I know none of mine worked.

-Wolf sends

Is it safe to at least try it?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Sure. No harm in trying.

-Wolf sends

 

[horsemeAT]

Sure. No harm in trying.

-Wolf sends

Once again best solution, thanks for your help as always man!

 

[corroded]

If it is a Retail Key... as in you had a DVD to load it or a card w/ the key on it when it was built and the sticker put on the system (last not required) You should be able to get an ISO w/ the key, because it is not locked to a specific Mfg...

 

[horsemeAT]

If it is a Retail Key... as in you had a DVD to load it or a card w/ the key on it when it was built and the sticker put on the system (last not required) You should be able to get an ISO w/ the key, because it is not locked to a specific Mfg...

I didn't have any code on my system, or that came with the system. I was able to use a key find program and get the key though. would that still work?

 

[corroded]

Try it... If valid, you can download the ISO... If not, well, now you know. I prefer to use Belarc Advisor to get the key out...