[SOLVED] Switching HDDs between two (almost) exact same specifications

[hidamari]

My Dell Latitude just broke recently but luckily I was able to get the HDD out. Now I'm thinking of buying that exact same model again, though I've upgraded the RAM on my old one but I don't think it would make too much of a difference. If I do that, would my Windows function normally or at least has a higher chance of doing so?
By the way, the new laptop I would buy is a Japanese model with Japanese keyboard layout but the old one the US layout with Japanese locale. Does it matter? I want to be sure.

 

[CountMike]

My Dell Latitude just broke recently but luckily I was able to get the HDD out. Now I'm thinking of buying that exact same model again, though I've upgraded the RAM on my old one but I don't think it would make too much of a difference. If I do that, would my Windows function normally or at least has a higher chance of doing so?
By the way, the new laptop I would buy is a Japanese model with Japanese keyboard layout but the old one the US layout with Japanese locale. Does it matter? I want to be sure.

Windows (which ones?) should work, keyboard settings you can change and memory isn't a problem but as windows are most certainly OEM version, their license is tied to particular MB /PC they came with. Is there a sticker with Windows registration on old and new machines ?

 

[hidamari]

Windows (which ones?) should work, keyboard settings you can change and memory isn't a problem but as windows are most certainly OEM version, their license is tied to particular MB /PC they came with. Is there a sticker with Windows registration on old and new machines ?

Thanks for the reply. I have Windows 10 and I'm willing to contact Microsoft for activation related stuff

 

[CountMike]

Thanks for the reply. I have Windows 10 and I'm willing to contact Microsoft for activation related stuff

In your case it's basically just fixing old PC by changing faulty MB, Microsoft should and usually allows it.

 

[ErickParker]

1 - If W10 is retail version and you have the activation key, everything is perfect.
2 - If W10 was upgraded from retail versions of W7 or W8, in some cases the keys work. If not, contact Microsoft.
3 - If W10 is O&M, but you have linked the installation, even if it is a W7 or W8 upgrade to a verified Microsoft account, you can contact them to try activation again.
4 - If the W10 is O&M, but you have NOT linked the installation, even if it is a W7 or W8 upgrade to a verified Microsoft account, you will not be able to activate it.

 

[Darkbreeze]

How to associate your windows 10 license with a Microsoft account

Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change

Windows build 1607 (Or newer) and activation after a hardware change



and in case you should ever need to do a CLEAN install of Windows, this guide will help to ensure it gets done properly.

How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10, the RIGHT way​