New hard drive looking to use a old windows key

[Alex_316]

I have a pre-built system the hard drive is starting go bad, since its the old mobo shouldn't I be able to use the oem key on a new hard drive if i used something like a windows 7 boot usb?
if can someone provide a link or confirm that this one will work?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

Thanks and good day to you all 😀

 

[Supahos]

Define OEM. If hp/Dell type OEM you may have to use those disk. If like a cyberpc company typically yes just use the normal bootable usb

 

[kraelic]

If you have caught it in time, clone to the new drive. Or you can certainly reinstall fresh using the same key. The hard drive isn't in the check for new hardware and fail activation if too much change has happened hash. If this is windows 10 log into an online account so it gets the key, then reinstall and skip inputting the key and log into the online account.

 

[Alex_316]

If you have caught it in time, clone to the new drive. Or you can certainly reinstall fresh using the same key. The hard drive isn't in the check for new hardware and fail activation if too much change has happened hash. If this is windows 10 log into an online account so it gets the key, then reinstall and skip inputting the key and log into the online account.

the key is windows 7 and i have windows 10 installed because upgrade, so how would i match the account with the key
@supahos yes its a hp key it has no disk that came with it put the product key is on the box

 

[kraelic]

http://www.howtogeek.com/226510/how-to-use-your-free-windows-10-license-after-changing-your-pc%E2%80%99s-hardware/

Download and make a new USB thumbdrive installer for a clean install. Or http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx to clone the old drive to the new drive.

 

[Alex_316]

ok so i can just make a windows 10 usb? and when i sign in it should be all good?

 

[kraelic]

Yes, just follow the article. Connect to your live account, then add the key. Afterwards do the reinstall without the key and when you log back in, it auto verifies.