Should i replace the hard drive before installing Windows 7.

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daks49

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Mar 4, 2014
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Im the IT guy at a small business. Right now our machines are running Windows XP 32 bit, we want to upgrade the OS to windows 7 64 bit pro (i already checked the CPU's, they can handle 64 bit), since xp support is ending.

Most of these computers (11) were purchased in 2006 to 2009. We cant fit it in the budget to buy new computers, so my plan was to:

1.) Replace the hard drive with a new one (Since the hard drives are so old, i thought this was the best option so they do not fail in the near future)
2.) Buy 11 copies of Windows 7 pro 64 bit OEM
3.) Then buy Office Home and Business 2013


Do you think this is a good plan? Should i approach it differently?

I looked into volume licensing, but it seems to cost more and the only downside i see of buying 11 copies of Windows 7 Pro OEM from Newegg, Amazon,etc is juggling 11 different license keys.

This seems like a good idea to me, but since i'm a one and only IT guy, i want to get someones else's feedback before i go ahead and go forward with this.

Thanks in advance!
 
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What do you do with these computers that need to use Windows? Do you use Windows exclusive programs or? Cause I was just about to suggest you Linux since it's free and basically comes with everything you'll need, but you never know what you need with a business.

On topic, you should go for it and purchase new hard drives, large capacity ones are relatively cheap, 1 terabyte ones costing the same exact price as a 500gb one, same price, double the capacity! Makes no sense actually.

Not sure why you need Pro SP1 of all the editions of Windows.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/830110-REG/Microsoft_GFC_02050_Windows_7.html

Much cheaper and doesn't really include anything notable that Pro has. If it does, you could simply use the...
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Personally I would do an audio check on the hard drives. Maybe at least run speedfan on the machine to check SMART status. Any red I would replace, otherwise if any sound like they are laboring or making any noise other than a whirring noise, I would replace that one and otherwise stick with the current drive. Just upgrade the OS doing a fresh install.

Check the storage on them and make sure none are over 50% (since they are older). If they are over 50% I might upgrade them to a larger newer drive.

It might help to know more about what these workstations are primarily used for.
 
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What do you do with these computers that need to use Windows? Do you use Windows exclusive programs or? Cause I was just about to suggest you Linux since it's free and basically comes with everything you'll need, but you never know what you need with a business.

On topic, you should go for it and purchase new hard drives, large capacity ones are relatively cheap, 1 terabyte ones costing the same exact price as a 500gb one, same price, double the capacity! Makes no sense actually.

Not sure why you need Pro SP1 of all the editions of Windows.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/830110-REG/Microsoft_GFC_02050_Windows_7.html

Much cheaper and doesn't really include anything notable that Pro has. If it does, you could simply use the Upgrade Anytime button and find a key off of the internet, they work all of the time, and it's nothing like piracy since you're just upgrading a legally obtained Windows.
 
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Solution
Hi

Important question are there one or two model PC's or are they purchased over an extened period and all different

(motherboard model is important, actual graphics card or CPU not important )
Check RAM, minimum 2GB for 32bit or 3GB for 64bit Win

also consider 32bit Win 7 on old hardware especially if you have old printers or multifuction printer fax scanners etc

run the Microsoft software that checks PC for hardware & software & driver compatibility


If one or two models only look up sysprep and duplicate the New hard disks before installing them
Instead of installing Windows on each PC

Windows 7 Pro needed if you have a domain and usefull if you have legacy software still requiring XP
(free Virtual XP with Pro, Ultimate or Enterprise)

not sure if Enterprise class Licence in Home Premium available
The Enterprise Licence requires an existing Windows licence on PC and is similar to Ultimate BUT does not require on line activation.

What version of Office do you currently have (mixture )?
consider training issues going from 2002/2003 to 2007 or 2010 or 2013

Some of oldest machines should be replaced before they become unreliable
If you really can't afford this, new hard disks are a good idea
(check all PC's have SATA hard drives not PATA)
(mixing SATA I, II or III not a problem)

also vacuum out the fluff & dust before putting in the new hard disks, especially the Heatsink & fan on CPU and PSU and any other fans

regards

Mike Barnes

 
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The program we use requires xp or 7. And i need the pro edition to be able to join a domain.
 
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Thanks mike, the computers we have now are:
(4) Dell Precision 380
(2) Dell Precision 390
(2) Dell Optiplex 760
(1) Dell Optiplex 320

Most of these will/have 4gb ram, most have sata II hardrives

Windows 7 pro is needed because of joining a domain.

Currently have Office 2003, i was thinking about moving to Office 2013
 
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Link me a reasonable priced Office 2010. I put 2013 because to get 2010 it looks like it going to cost $100 more.
 
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