Windows 7 Product key on case, but no hard drive.

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  1. Posts : 15
    Vista
       #1

    Windows 7 Product key on case, but no hard drive.


    Hi,
    Have a pc with the Windows 7 Product key sticker on the case, but no hard drive. Can I install a hard drive and use this product key?

    Thanks,
    Joe
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,741
    W7 Pro x64 SP1 | W10 Pro IP x64 | W8.1 Pro x64 VM | Linux Mint VM
       #2

    Yes. I can't see any reason why not.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15
    Vista
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Windows 7 Product key on case, but no hard drive.


    Thanks!

    Joe
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #4

    One small problem.
    If the missing hard drive is used
    on another computer with that COA key you will not be able to use it.

    One COA key can only be used on one computer at one time.

    Just use the key and see if it works. If it's a double install Microsoft will let you know.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6,741
    W7 Pro x64 SP1 | W10 Pro IP x64 | W8.1 Pro x64 VM | Linux Mint VM
       #5

    Good point by Layback. I was just presuming you'd removed the HDD yourself.
      My Computer

  6.    #6

    A COA sticker Product Key for preinstalled Win7 OEM can only be activated on the mobo it came with.

    I'd consider carefully getting an SSD which are down to around $50-60 for 120gb which is the best upgrade one can get now, lightning fast with a decent processor and enough RAM, with about a 10 second boot.

    Then Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
    Last edited by gregrocker; 30 May 2014 at 15:25.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 15
    Vista
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Hi,

    Thanks for the responses. The new hard drive was erased using military specs. How long will it take for Microsoft to show a "non genuine os"? I had a laptop will a new hard drive than ran for about three months before Microsoft popped up and caused me to use a phone call to register it. I feel uncomfortable selling the pc if this might happen.

    Joe
      My Computer

  8.    #8

    It's all in the tutorial.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 4,566
    Windows 10 Pro
       #9

    jstaron7 said:
    Hi,

    Thanks for the responses. The new hard drive was erased using military specs. How long will it take for Microsoft to show a "non genuine os"? I had a laptop will a new hard drive than ran for about three months before Microsoft popped up and caused me to use a phone call to register it. I feel uncomfortable selling the pc if this might happen.

    Joe
    You can also use phone activation to be sure.

    But look at the full tutorial that was provided.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 15
    Vista
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Windows 7 Product key on case, but no hard drive.


    Hi,

    I don't have a CD to re-install Windows 7. I have a Windows 7 upgrade CD. The recommended tutorial mentions "If your download is unavailable, download another version and unlock all versions with eicfg removal tool". Where would I "download another version of Windows 7"?

    Thanks,
    Joe
      My Computer


 
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