Is it possible to factory reset a computer and have it reinstall windows onto a different hard drive?

[davida9202]

So i have 2 hard drives, one new and one beginning to die on me. I have windows on the dying hard drive, and do not have the original disks or product key. I tried using DriveImage XML to copy everything onto the new drive, but for some reason when it boots it says "Hard disk failure" when i have the just the new hard drive in there (i am 100% sure it is plugged in properly). I really dont have the money to buy a new windows disk, and so i was wondering if it would work if i were to factory reset my computer and have windows 10 reinstall on my new hard drive, or is there an easier way?

 

[Laptop_Nerd]

Hi,

First did you change the boot priority of your PC to load the the new HDD? You could just try cloning your old HDD instead to the new one.

Here's a software you can use to clone your old HDD to the new one.
http://www.backup-utility.com/features/disk-clone.html

Once done do test it again and if it doesn't work your only option would be to install a fresh copy of Windows in it.

Here's how you can create a bootable Windows 10 USB or disc:
http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2745957/create-windows-installation-usb-drive-dvd.html

Here's the complete guide to install Windows 10:
http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2569562/install-windows.html

 

[davida9202]

Hi,

First did you change the boot priority of your PC to load the the new HDD? You could just try cloning your old HDD instead to the new one.

Here's a software you can use to clone your old HDD to the new one.
http://www.backup-utility.com/features/disk-clone.html

Once done do test it again and if it doesn't work your only option would be to install a fresh copy of Windows in it.

Here's how you can create a bootable Windows 10 USB or disc:
http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2745957/create-windows-installation-usb-drive-dvd.html

Here's the complete guide to install Windows 10:
http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2569562/install-windows.html

Thanks so much =D