Upgrade HDD and keep OEM OS?

Mark M

Mark M

Mark M

Soldato
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My computer came with Win8 which IVe upgraded to 8.1 but can I put in a new SSD and install Win8.1 on it and use the OEM key?

If so where do I get a legal download from and where is the OEM key? There is no sticker on this machine like in the old days!

Thanks
 
you can use the download tool from Microsoft to get the ISO or to make a bootable USB stick, link below.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

failing that you can always just clone the current drive and restore it to the SSD

the key is normally stored in the bios with pre built systems.

windows 7 and 8 come with the backup and restore software built in to the OS, link below to steps on how to access it, sometimes the ssds come with free cloning software as well.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/what-happened-to-backup-restore
 
Thanks for the reply. I would rather go with a fresh install as the current setup is becoming a bit sluggish.
 
that's fair enough, go for the 8.1 install and use one of these keys below

i'd heard of problems with people using 8 keys with 8.1 media but if you have an 8.1 key, i'd have thought it would work??

anyway, the solution for people with a windows 8 key is to use one of these placeholder keys, depending on which version you have.

core: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

you should then be able to change key to your own one later.
Click to expand...

once installed you can then put in your key instead, may need to call Microsoft to activate but may work
 
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