How to replace Hard Drive and keep windows license

[candlejack42]

I'm replacing my old hard drive with a new one, but not replacing the motherboard. I've lost my original Windows & install CD, but I've been told I'll be able to reinstall windows 7 on the new HDD legally for free without having to re-buy it. but I'm not exactly sure how to go about it. Can I just burn windows 7 install from the official website to a disk? Do I need to do something with my OG hard drive first, maybe getting the key off of it somehow as I've lost my original install CD?

Thanks!

 

[smorizio]

if your pc a pre built the key should be on the case. if it is just download windows media creation tool and make a new windows iso usb stick installer. or download windows 7 iso from the web there were few legal web pages that had windows 7 iso to download. then use the frree windows iso to usb tool to make a new boot usb stick. if you had full version of windows 7 modes and us we cant tell you what program to look at your windows key but there out there.

 

[smorizio]

wiht pre builts for small fee the vendor or ebay you can buy replacments.

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hey there, @candlejack42!

As long as you are not changing the motherboard or the CPU, you can simply download the OS version that you have currently installed from the MS website and create a bootable flash drive with it, since you have lost your original Windows CD.

If you bought the OS online and downloaded it, the key should have been sent to your e-mail. If you have bought it from a MS store, you can just try to login to your MS account and redownload Windows and the key. Either way, if none of these things work and you are unable to Activate Windows 7, I'd advise you to contact MS support for assistance.

Good luck! Let me know if you have more questions.
Cheers,
SuperSoph_WD

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

You can clone your existing hard drive to the new one using third-party cloning software, that will copy the MBR, Windows, installed apps, everything in fact.

A clean install is preferable of course, but I see that's not possible in your case.