Do I need a new copy of windows?

[JGunnzz]

The hard drive in my laptop that I'd had for a little over 2 years now got broke and the laptop won't boot properly. I tried the HDD in another computer (not as the boot drive) and the computer will hardly respond. I called ASUS and they said that the operating system and other important pieces of data were lost. My question is if I buy a new hard drive do i need to buy a new copy of windows too? Is the windows key somewhere on the laptop, can I call ASUS and have them tell me my windows key, or if i put a new hard drive it will automatically pick up the windows code because it is on the hard drive? Thanks in advance.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

You won't need a new key.

The key is embedded in the BIOS.

 

[LostAlone]

If your laptop came with Windows pre-installed (which sounds like it did) then you should have a sticker on the laptop that tell you the key and the version of windows involved, so in theory you could install a fresh copy onto a new drive. However the problem is that almost no laptops come with full install disks, so you can't install without obtaining a version of windows elsewhere.

You could talk to Asus and see if they will ship you a new drive that's pre-installed. Or you could borrow a multi-version copy of windows from someone else; the thing you pay for is the key, not the media so it'll still be legal to borrow the physical disks or thumbdrive. Alternatively you can buy a brand new copy of windows and that'll give you both a 'full' version of windows (few laptops come with the 'full' pro versions) which you'll be able to keep and install on any new machines going forwards.

 

[Wolfshadw]

The Windows Product Key should be printed on a sticker attached to the bottom of your laptop. You should be able to ask for/purchase a replacement recovery CD from ASUS if you did not create one when you first received your system.

-Wolf sends

 

[i7Baby]

call ASUS and have them tell me my windows key

But you'll most likely still have to buy a new copy of Windows as it will have been an OEM installation.

Sounds like your drive is faulty so its no good buying a Recovery Disk from them which could be cheaper.

 

[nukemaster]

Windows 8 systems seem to have it as a part of the bios. When I have installed on systems like that the key was picked up on its own.

You will just need the install media.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Also look inside the battery compartment.