Install Windows to Refurbished Laptops

[Gordon Clark]

Suppose you buy a used laptop with no HD. You repair the laptop. How can you install windows without having to purchase a new key? Assuming the laptop came with a valid windows key when first sold.

Does the windows license die with the hard drive?

 

[USAFRet]

Suppose you buy a used laptop with no HD. You repair the laptop. How can you install windows without having to purchase a new key? Assuming the laptop came with a valid windows key when first sold.

Does the windows license die with the hard drive?

For OEM licenses:
If Win 7, the license key should be on a sticker on the case or under the battery.
If that is gone or not readable, too bad.
Buy a new OS.

For Win 8 and later, if it does not come with a drive and the factory reset partition...OR the Factory Reset DVD, you have 2 options:
Contact the manufacturer and purchase the relevant factory reset DVD
or
Buy your own OS.

There is a difference between having the hardware in running condition, and having the hardware + a viable Windows OS.
If the previous owner does not transfer that OS info to you, you're mostly out of luck.

 

[captaincharisma]

Suppose you buy a used laptop with no HD. You repair the laptop. How can you install windows without having to purchase a new key? Assuming the laptop came with a valid windows key when first sold.

Does the windows license die with the hard drive?

For OEM licenses:
If Win 7, the license key should be on a sticker on the case or under the battery.
If that is gone or not readable, too bad.
Buy a new OS.

For Win 8 and later, if it does not come with a drive and the factory reset partition...OR the Factory Reset DVD, you have 2 options:
Contact the manufacturer and purchase the relevant factory reset DVD
or
Buy your own OS.

There is a difference between having the hardware in running condition, and having the hardware + a viable Windows OS.
If the previous owner does not transfer that OS info to you, you're mostly out of luck.

if it was a windows 8 laptop there is a chance that the licence information is stored in the BIOS. if that is the case it would automatically activate a new install of windows 8 without a key

 

[USAFRet]

if it was a windows 8 laptop there is a chance that the licence information is stored in the BIOS. if that is the case it would automatically activate a new install of windows 8 without a key

The problem there is obtaining a viable install DVD, USB, or ISO.
For an OEM install, Microsoft will just refer you back to the manufacturer.