Windows 10 activation question

[Cookie_505]

So I'm getting a new hard drive in my laptop and it can only hold hard drive, so I was wondering if I upgraded to windows 10 (currently on 7 home premium) and then I copied all my important files to another computer via the network then put in the new hard drive would I be able to install and activate windows 10? Has anyone tried this? Also this link here seems to suggest it would work. Thanks for your help.

[EliasNM]

~snip~

So you are upgrading to Win10, getting the key, then after backing up all the stuff, putting in a new HDD?

[Cookie_505]

So you are upgrading to Win10, getting the key, then after backing up all the stuff, putting in a new HDD?

Yes That is what I would be doing but I don't think I would actually need the key I think it kind of remembers it but that's what I'm asking if that would work.

[EliasNM]

Yes That is what I would be doing but I don't think I would actually need the key I think it kind of remembers it but that's what I'm asking if that would work.

You will need they key since its a clean install.

[Cookie_505]

You will need they key since its a clean install.

What the website I linked is saying is that it will remember my motherboard and CPU and allow me to activate without a key. Also If a key is required would I be able to get the key.

[EliasNM]

What the website I linked is saying is that it will remember my motherboard and CPU and allow me to activate without a key. Also If a key is required would I be able to get the key.

A new HDD has no OS, so... yeah you have to install again and are going to need a key. One thing I did read about was that product keys are a thing of the past with Win10, yet they are selling them, this new system is called digital entitlement. If you are willing to test this, just install and skip the key input screen twice and then try to activate it in the settings metro app. This I haven't encountered because I have put together two new computers in the last couple of days so digital entitlement for me has not happened since I didn't upgrade, its all new.

[Cookie_505]

A new HDD has no OS, so... yeah you have to install again and are going to need a key. One thing I did read about was that product keys are a thing of the past with Win10, yet they are selling them, this new system is called digital entitlement. If you are willing to test this, just install and skip the key input screen twice and then try to activate it in the settings metro app. This I haven't encountered because I have put together two new computers in the last couple of days so digital entitlement for me has not happened since I didn't upgrade, its all new.

I know I have to install it again but that article seems to state if you just wait it will activate if you have activated windows 10 before. But i don't know. I haven't bought the hard drive yet because I haven't figured out the OS issue so yeah I guess I have to buy it and just hope.

[EliasNM]

Try a clean install on that HDD before you buy anything and test it, don't spend yet once we've figured it out then spend on a new HDD.

[Cookie_505]

Try a clean install on that HDD before you buy anything and test it, don't spend yet once we've figured it out then spend on a new HDD.

 

But what if it doesn't work then I won't have an OS. I have an OEM copy of windows 7 so I can't re install.

[xXChaoticSymphonyXx]

Just install it on what you have now then ask yourself the questions about it out loud while anywhere near the computer. A Microsoft employee will either open a notepad file or call you to answer them right away.

[EliasNM]

It will work if you upgrade first. Then again many have issues with a simple upgrade. You just gotta man up and wait for it to fail, sorry to put it this way but welcome to the world of computer issues and failed expectations.

[EliasNM]

Just install it on what you have now then ask yourself the questions about it out loud while anywhere near the computer. A Microsoft employee will either open a notepad file or call you to answer them right away.

LOL, such encouragement, not like I did any better anyways.

[Cookie_505]

LOL, such encouragement, not like I did any better anyways.

Ok well the upgrade is reserved and i'm gonna go for it but it has to download first plus I don't have time to fuck with it for a few days so i'll do it then I suppose.

[xXChaoticSymphonyXx]

Ok well the upgrade is reserved and i'm gonna go for it but it has to download first plus I don't have time to fuck with it for a few days so i'll do it then I suppose.

 

The NSA thanks you for your support. lol

[Cookie_505]

The NSA thanks you for your support. lol

 

LOL, such encouragement, not like I did any better anyways.

 

UPDATE: I installed windows 10 on the new hard drive. Worked perfectly. Installed quickly. Happy with the results

[techguru]

I know I have to install it again but that article seems to state if you just wait it will activate if you have activated windows 10 before. But i don't know. I haven't bought the hard drive yet because I haven't figured out the OS issue so yeah I guess I have to buy it and just hope.

clean installing on a new ssd from a old hdd will work on 10

long as you did the upgrade on the hdd first

 

ive done then 4 or 5 times now

[Cookie_505]

clean installing on a new ssd from a old hdd will work on 10

long as you did the upgrade on the hdd first

 

ive done then 4 or 5 times now

Yes I went ahead and did it. Worked perfect. Just forgot to post it here.