possible to move OS to new SSD no windows key (prebuilt dell)

[jacobbones]

So I am doing a small upgrade to a dell with windows 8.1. Its a media player I have in living room I want to do some gaming on.

Swapping into a new case and adding 1060 gpu and new psu and in a few months will maybe do a new build and will use parts towards that

I wanted to add a SSD for gaming and figured I could use it in new build as well later on. But then thought about moving windows onto it.

Problem is being a prebuilt I don't have any product key so am not sure what I can do. Ive always just re-installed in past when I modified a build but had the key.

Whats the best way to go abouts moving it to the ssd? Or is it not worth the hassle without a key?

 

[Lutfij]

You could clone the OS you currently have and migrate it to your SSD and just fly off with your system but then again I've been seeing a lot of issues with cloning and the best route(eventually taken) is to reinstall your OS from scratch after installation of the SSD. IMHO if it's a prebuilt then the key is bound to your motherboard. You could try this theory out by holding onto your Windows 8 installation disc(USB installer) and then installing the OS on a blank(new or old) HDD while your original drive is disconnected(physically).

Might it be possible to share your prebuilt's SKU/make and model?

 

[captaincharisma]

clone or image will work. but if it is windows 8 then it likely the key is embedded in the BIOS so you wouldn't have to worry. so you can do a clone/image of the drive to preserve your windows install and before you restore it do a clean install to the new SSD and see if it activates.

 

[jacobbones]

inspiron 3847

Just checked around and in case no key printed anywhere

 

[Unolocogringo]

You could download and run "Magic Jelly Bean. It will display most Microsoft keys.
https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

 

[captaincharisma]

inspiron 3847

Just checked around and in case no key printed anywhere

we did not mean it is on a physical label inside the computer. you can find it by going into the systems BIOS when you turn on the computer

 

[jacobbones]

I was looking around and see that yes the key is in bios so you wouldn't need it as it would activate itself.

Now question is how do I do the reinstall?
I was reading about making the recovery drive onto a USB flash drive then installing the SSD but im unclear on that part.
After making the recovery flash drive to I shutdown and unplug the current HD with windows and install the new SSD drive and start it up with flash drive in and it will install? then I can add the old HD later and use for storage?

 

[Unolocogringo]

Make a complete recovery cd/USB drive. This will only make it like you first bought it. It will not install documents,games,or other software you installed later.
Disconnect your original drives sata cable from the motherboard.
Install the SSD and connect it to the sata port that your original drive was connected to.
Install Windows onto the SSD. Install and update drivers. Do all of windows updates.
Reconnect your original drive to SATA a different Port on the motherboard 2, 3 ,4 etc..
Reinstall all of your programs, games .

 

[USAFRet]

1. With the same parts (except a new case) you do NOT need your license key.

2. How to get the stuff on the new SSD? Two options:
1. Clone to the new drive. This requires that the total used space be significantly below the size of the SSD>
For instance, with a new 500GB SSD, you need the actual used space to be below 400GB

or

2. Clean install on the new SSD. This requires a reinstall of all your applications.
You can get the Win 8.1 ISO file here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
and use that to create your own USB install.

 

[jacobbones]

Thanks. Im gonna give it a shot. I could due with a system reset anyways im sure I have a lot of Unused programs
.