So ya a new key (= new Windows ) + a new HDD will work the disk is like all the other disks - you need your key. So you must extract it or get the key from the seller or buy windows. Your data will be lost without somehow copying it off that drive.Drives are cheap - get a new one!
The key should be on a sticker on your box - I think its illegal to sell it without the sticker applied to the box,
Sorry to hear your problem- sounds like drive is Fuct- I think remounting the drive and getting info off is the best line .
If you have a bootable Linux thumbdrive - you could boot the same machine and save your files. I keep one around for that reason.
I now use Belarc while Windows still works to get my Key then store it in my password wallet for safe keeping.
Here is a site with a technique for extracting from an unbootable drive:<
http://www.howtogeek.com/64600/how-to-recover-windows-and-software-keys-from-a-broken-computer/>
What you can do is plug you HDD into another computer and copy the data off the drive and then reformat it and copy the data back. Otherwise yes, reformating is your only option.
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