Fresh Installation of Windows 7 using ISO and OEM Key on Toshiba L450

AddRAM said:

A new sticker ?

You`re not gonna get one of those from them.

I mean the key itself.

AddRAM said:

A new sticker ?

You`re not gonna get one of those from them.

That`s the problem with stickers on the bottom of a laptop

Haha yeh thats a prob alright- had no idea!

HDeem said:

I just managed to check and realise the sticker is completely worn away.

Some people have been able to "read a worn COA sticker key".
I doubt you will be able to based on your description of the COA sticker, but here is ONE thread about this:
Recovering Windows Product Key

It's up to you if you want to spend the time and effort trying to read the worn COA sticker key.

I THINK some people have worked with MS to get a new key for a worn COA sticker key ...
I don't have any links to threads about those discussions.
If I find any, I'll post back with link(s).

If you can't read the COA key and MS doesn't give you a new key, you can't do a clean install unless you purchase a new key (license).
I'm assuming you are using the OEM SLP factory pre-installed key.

HDeem said:

Is it worth contacting toshiba directly to get it or better to plough on with recovery disc. The recovery usb I made last year has a folder called HDDprep- doesnt sound appropriate for SSD

Even though the folder name sounds inappropriate, the factory recovery may work fine for an SSD.
I'll defer to Greg for better info on this !

If not, do a factory recovery to a HD, and then transfer that to an SSD.
Again, I'll defer to Greg for better info on this !

Ah ok, got the MGAdiagnotic done, it says 'OEM SLP' and the key can be found online, so point-taken, clean install isn't going to happen (I guess I could make phone calls if determined...)
Just looking for the simplest way now - don't want to get in too deep using other programs. Was looking forward to doing this quickly just putting in the recovery USB and making small changes on booting. Need the quickest route really so will read the tutorial in depth to see how. Guess use the old HDD Recovery USB and then follow your tutorial instructions on how to make adjustments for the SSD afterwards. Its a shame to spend money on a new SSD and then not use to full potential. If it doesn't make enough difference to the Toshiba can I wipe (re-format?) the SSD, start over & use it on the HP Pavilion instead?
Excuse ignorance in all of this


Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-BFF84-6GFC2-BWX77
Windows Product Key Hash: EkRG02noirn1etiserf2jJnVqlM=
Windows Product ID: 00359-OEM-8992687-00017
Windows Product ID Type: 2
Windows License Type: OEM SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003
ID: {4E57675F-4D5F-44F9-A2D3-902B14055907}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Home Premium
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.141211-1742
TTS Error:
Validation Diagnostic:
Resolution Status: N/A

Wait for advice from Greg before making any changes.
He's the top guru and has the most installation experience i know of.

Yes, you can wipe the SSD and start over clean on a different PC

You can't use a Toshiba key on a HP.
OEM keys are tied to the original PC they are installed on, and can't be transferred.
You would need a RETAIL key to be able to transfer the key to a different PC.

I think I've mentioned all of your available options above in addition to the Clean Reinstall which may not be avaiilable to you unless you can get Toshiba tech support to give you the Product Key as they sometimes will. Otherwise there's a method to back up the PC's present activation to reinstall after Clean Reinstall Windows 7 however we are not allowed to support it here because of the possibility of misuse, so you'll need to research it yourself.

I mentioned that if you're happy with the present install you can transfer it to the SSD using an imaging program like the one we recommend most here Macrium Imaging - Windows 7 Help Forums. If you'll post back a screenshot of Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image we can advise you on which partitions will need to be included, normally the System partition and C if they are not the same.

If the present install is not performing as well as the way your PC arrived, then you can try using your Recovery media if it will boot and run on the SSD. I would immediately Clean Up Factory Bloatware especially turning off all of the Toshiba bloatware which throttles the OS unnecessarily since most of it is duplicating better utilties already built into Win7.

If you have any questions feel free to ask them back as you review these options including the more detailed tutorials linked earlier.