OS reinstall in a Factory computer?

[AceMemphis]

Howdy!

Super quick question.
Is it possible to reinstall Windows 10 in a factory computer?
For example in an old Dell XPS 8300 that originally had win 7 but upgraded to win 10.

I know I'll have to save the drivers and any factory program cd keys that came with the original system, but will the win 7 key work for a fresh win 10 install?
If anyone wants to throw some suggestions for programs to help my process, I'd be in your debt.

Cheers!

 

[Barty1884]

If your W10 install is activated, you can clean install and skip the step where it asks for a key.
W10 is tied to a unique hardware ID with MS's servers - it'll reactivate once your online (provided you're already activated, and install the same OS ie W10 x64 Home)

 

[mcnumpty23]

can also tie it to a microsoft account and skip the key

 

[Barty1884]

No need to tie it to a MS account if there's no 'significant hardware change' mcnumpty. But yes, that's the way to go if there's a motherboard change etc.

 

[AceMemphis]

What if I were to swap out the old, rickety HDD for a sleek new SSD?
Is that considered a "significant hardware change"?

 

[Barty1884]

No. The definition is a little unclear, but an HDD to am SSD should cause no problems, I've done it numerous times without needing to tie it to a MS account.

 

[AceMemphis]

Thanks guys!!
xoxoxox