Can't find OS error, want to reinstall on new SSD

[vvmadbullvv]

while installing AutoCad on his computer, my father restarted it( Mid Install.) now when he tries to turn on his computer, it throws a cannot find OS Disk. I was already planning on upgrading his computer to an SSD for his OS in a couple weeks, but what im wondering is, how can i get the windows 10 from his current HDD to the SSD without getting the same issue? id still like to keep the other disk as a storage disk.

 

[USAFRet]

Boot from your OS install media (what OS is this?) and try the Repair function.

And I hate to bring this up, but as I usually do....this is easily prevented with a comprehensive backup plan.

 

[vvmadbullvv]

sorry its windows 10. and that was the first question i asked was, do you have a recovery disk made? he said "i never got around to setting it up." lol

 

[vvmadbullvv]

I have a usb boot drive set up so i will try that when he comes down, if that doesnt work, is there a way to recover the "product key" from the computer or would i have to contact microsoft for that?

 

[USAFRet]

I have a usb boot drive set up so i will try that when he comes down, if that doesnt work, is there a way to recover the "product key" from the computer or would i have to contact microsoft for that?

If this was a preinstalled Win 10 (like from Dell/HP/etc) probably no 'license' needed.

Boot from a Win 10 install USB or DVD.
Start the install process.
It should give you the option of "Keep everything"

Proceed.

 

[vvmadbullvv]

i built the desktop and used a retail license windows 8 (Not OEM) then upgraded it to 10 when the free upgrade released.

 

[USAFRet]

i built the desktop and used a retail license windows 8 (Not OEM) then upgraded it to 10 when the free upgrade released.

Pretty much the same thing.

Boot from a Win 10 USB or DVD install media.
You won't need the license key. Actually, the "digital entitlement".

When it asks for the license key, at the bottom of that windows...select "I don't have a product key"
Proceed.