New
#1
Question Regarding Product Key (sticker)
Hi again!
I have a question regarding the product key 'sticker' located underneath laptops and/or the side of your desktop. Before i begin, let me just say that the question(s) below are basically just out of curiosity (for now). It sure will come in handy in future if i need to perform such action(s). :)
Back on topic. I'll be using a laptop as an example in this post.
Scenario: So let's say my HDD died and there's no possible way to send it (to the manufacture) for repairs or perform a data recovery on the drive as it's too heavily damaged. I then purchase a brand new HDD to replace it. The 'original' HDD of course contains the 'recovery manager' (on a separate partition) for us to perform a clean install/repair (plus the drivers, etc). By replacing the HDD, it's obvious that i no longer have the 'recovery manager/partition' as it's brand new (and oh, i didn't have a recovery CD/DVD too in this example).
Question: Is it possible for me to use a friends' Windows DVD (of the same OS and 'type' such as Home, Professional, ultimate, etc) and perform a clean install but instead of using the key which came with the DVD, I'll be using the product key located underneath the laptop? Will it work?
Every DVD are the same right? Or perhaps each DVD require it's own specific keys?
If i can't, you could stop reading here.
If i could, other than having to install the drivers myself (as opposed to the 'recovery manager' method where it'll install the drivers automatically since it's no longer available), will i come across any issues? Do i still retain the genuine stamp by doing this? Anything else i need to know besides those I've already mentioned above? And lastly, is there a possibility to 'install' the recovery manager on a the new drive (exactly as it was originally)?
EDIT: One last question to squeeze in - If my laptop originally came pre-installed with Windows 7 Home, could i install Windows 7 Professional (basically a different 'version') and using the product key the came with my laptop?
Thank you for taking the time to read!
Danny