HDD Failure: Replacing HDD and Need help Installing Windows 7/Office

Background: I noticed my computer hanging, running slowly, etc. Checked the S.M.A.R.T. status, it displays warning and is showing signs of impending failure. My Spring College semester begins in 4 days. I already bought a new Western Digital 750GB HDD.

Problem: I need help installing and activating Windows 7 Pro x64 and Office 2010 ProPlus x32. They are both considered "Retail" versions and have MAK keys - they are Academic Versions - University Bookstore/DreamSpark Premium.I have reinstalled Windows and Office multiple times on the same laptop (usually every 4-6 months because as a MIS major we have to install a lot of resource intensive software just for one semester and I prefer to start fresh).

What is the best way to approach this? The laptop came with Windows Home Premium and the COA sticker is attached. I don't think my Recovery DVD's are any good as the process hung every time I tried creating them a few years ago.

Request: Can you give me some advice on Just installing Windows 7 Pro x64 and Office 2010 ProPlus on a brand new HDD without having to deal with a bunch of activation issues? I am changing from a Toshiba OEM to a WD HDD. Am I going to have to Download, install and activate Windows Home Premium 64-bit first again?

Important Note: I may have to Install Office 365 ProPlus on top of Office 2010 Professional Plus (MSFT offers it free of charge to all current university students in the USA now). It is available as C2R installation though :/. I have installed it before, it is just a pain and a bit buggy.

Your help is appreciated. I just have to get the laptop running by 1/5/14 before school begins.

Thanks!!!

Wow, thanks for the fast reply. I have Acronis True Image. My concern was that there is already file corruption, hence I was wanting to "Start Fresh." and just keep important documents and a few select files. I wish I knew how to do Proxy Activation using VAMT 2..0. It is installed, but It just shows the status, not Installation ID or CID.


Do you recommend burning the Windows ISO to a DVD or USB? (The DVD Drive is external connected via USB as the original one is broken). I have the original installation disc as well for both W7 and Office.

Any other Advice regarding installation and activation? (I did review the tutorials before posting!).

Important Question: Ideally after installation I would use VAMT 3.0 to activate and save the IID and CID to avoid further problems since they are MAK keys (Retail Version). I just have zero knowledge of SQL server which is required for VAMT 3.0 (which supports Office 2013 and Windows 8 +). VAMT 2.0 covers W7 and Office 2010 (I am going to try proxy activation to avoid using all the 5 activation attempts allowed before I have to buy a new product (yes, it is only installed on 1 PC and is not an OEM version).

Making a system image: I have a license for Acronis True Image Home 2013, but just bought a WD drive and they offer Acronis True Image 2014 WD edition (a somewhat limited version, but still acceptable).

What is the best way to make a system image so in the future I can just re-image instead of Re-install?

I plan on using ESET Smart Security 8 (for Windows) since my Kaspersky License expired. I am guessing I should create a system image prior to installation of Antivirus/Security software if I plan to change in the future?


I have a blank Kingston 2GB USB drive and a WD 1TB MY Passport External drive with about 200GB of Free Space.


Sorry for all the questions, and I will try to contribute to the SevenForums community more as I appreciate the advice.

Happy New Year to All!

Follow these steps to get and keep a perfect Clean Reinstall Windows 7

Golden said:

I've asked Noel to look at the activation questions, as he is the guru on that.

I'm not sure what you mean by "what is the best way to make a system image". I use Macrium Reflect, but I guess Acronis is as good? I've never used Acronis. Images should be saved to external USB, and the bootable media to a DVD or USB drive.

You can create 2 images if you like:
- one prior to ESET installation, and
- one after ESET installation

It depends what you need them for. If the installation with ESET is stable, just delete the first image.

Thank you for your advice and for asking another member (Noel) about the licensing and activation. I look forward to hearing the answer. Thank you again, and Happy New Year!

I wish I could give rep at this point, as I just found out about the feature, but thanks to everyone who responded.