If my hard drive is broken.

Do you have a OEM restore disk, or able to make one?

If so, you should be fine. Just restore the factory Image to the new HD.

Im fairly certain the Win7 OEM and tied to the bios.
So the HD shouldnt hurt anything.

It works something like this. The disc OEMs use for installing windows have an extra file or two on them so that that copy can only be used on there computers. With XP, it would automatically be activated on reinstall and if you installed it another computer all you had to do was enter your key and it would activate (with Dell's OEM disc at least). They changed it in 7 so that the key will only work with one copy of 7 and that copy has to be from the OEM. If you have an option to order a restore disc, do it. If not you can make one on your own after you get the computer.

Im not entirely sure the specifics of how it works. But lets say its a Dell PC. That CD key to activate windows will be a OEM key, and the Bios has a SLIC table tied to it to verify its authenticity.

if the key matches the bios, then it will activate.

As far as I am aware, the Hard Drive itself should have no impact.


As far as a restore Image, it will depend on the manufacturer. Some allow you to create a DVD of the system image. Which restore the PC to a state as it was when you first purchases it.
Some have a hidden partition on the HD.
You will need to check with the manufacturer for more details how they do it though.

Although, someone here at the forums may know more in this regard.