HELP! install Windows to laptop NEW SSD, also can I use previous os key?

[GamerMan1235]

Problem: So my laptop is not working right as in sometimes loading after logging in takes ten to twenty minutes. It shows a black screen and is slow in general.
What I think I should do is: do a reset windows to factory, but my computer might not even boot to let me do that. So I think the next step is getting a new hard drive like a ssd and installing windows to that
What I need help on: First of all how do I install windows to a blank hard drive? Do I need like a new windows key? because I bought my laptop and it had windows on it and im wondering if i can use that key. If I dont have to get a new windows key will it install on new harddrive properly? Where can I get a new key cheap if I need one? Good ssd for 250 gb.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there, GamerMan1235.

If the issue is with the hard drive, then a new one should fix things up. Are you 100% sure that there's no other issue with the laptop, are you able to at least access the BIOS/UEFI settings?

You can try your HDD with a different computer if possible, to make sure that it's not working properly so that you can go for a new one.

You can use the same key you have for your laptop. However, you'll need to create Windows installation media (DVD/USB) by downloading the same version of Windows your laptop came with. The key should work. I would've sent you a tutorial on how to install a fresh copy of Win, however I don't know which version of Windows you're talking about. Would you please let me know if it was Win 7, 8 or 10?

As for SSD suggestions, I'm sorry but as an official WD rep, I can't really recommend products that are not under the WD brand, but I'm sure that the guys from the community will be more than helpful with that.

Hope that helps. Please let me know how everything goes.
Boogieman_WD

 

[GamerMan1235]

Hey there, GamerMan1235.

If the issue is with the hard drive, then a new one should fix things up. Are you 100% sure that there's no other issue with the laptop, are you able to at least access the BIOS/UEFI settings?

You can try your HDD with a different computer if possible, to make sure that it's not working properly so that you can go for a new one.

You can use the same key you have for your laptop. However, you'll need to create Windows installation media (DVD/USB) by downloading the same version of Windows your laptop came with. The key should work. I would've sent you a tutorial on how to install a fresh copy of Win, however I don't know which version of Windows you're talking about. Would you please let me know if it was Win 7, 8 or 10?

As for SSD suggestions, I'm sorry but as an official WD rep, I can't really recommend products that are not under the WD brand, but I'm sure that the guys from the community will be more than helpful with that.

Hope that helps. Please let me know how everything goes.
Boogieman_WD

It is windows ten, i think the problem is that there might be a virus making everything slow
Thank for answering

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Here's the installation guide: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1950-windows-10-clean-install.html

If the SSD is new, there shouldn't be a virus preventing you from installing your OS on the drive. As far as I remember you could use a Win 7 key for Win 10, but I don't know if this is still valid, since the free upgrade to Win 10 has been discontinued since 29 July.

 

[BadAsAl]

If you used the free upgrade or if the computer was registered in Microsoft's system as being eligible, you should be able to reinstall with no issues. I have yet to confirm this but that is how it is supposed to work.