Buying used laptop sans HD and OS

[atikovi]

I've been looking for a Dell W7P laptop and noticed many of them are being sold without a hard drive or operating system at a good price. The advantage to me is I could install the exact HD I wanted, like a SSD with 128-256GB and not settle for the ones selling around $150-$200 with a standard HD. I have a Windows 7 Pro 64 bit DVD from my desktop. Could I make this work on a laptop like this: laptop selling for just $74?

 

[RolandJS]

If that DVD is a Microsoft retail DVD, you can "move", transfer, that OS from your desktop to your laptop. If you "copy" the OS onto the laptop, you will need to buy a license for that laptop copy. If that DVD is an OEM DVD, that will not work at all being installed into the laptop -- it will return the "not genuine" error and it will not function as you hope it will. Some sources indicate you can make that installation genuine by working with Microsoft, however, I think it entails buying a license. Others will have to weigh in.

 

[atikovi]

I bought the OS DVD on Ebay a couple years ago for $20 to change my 32 bit Dell desktop into 64 bit. Disc says, Operating System Already Installed on Your Computer. Reinstallation DVD. This software is already installed on your computer. Use this DVD only to reinstall the OS on a Dell PC. So no go for a Dell laptop? Even if there is a COA on the laptop?

 

[RolandJS]

Even if you get it installed, your OS installation will return a "non-genuine" and certain functions will not work or not be available. Others here might desire to weigh in on the "fallout". That COA is married to the previous owner's computer and will do you absolutely no good.

 

[Layback Bear]

First off one should understand what Microsoft considers "Retail".

This will help the understanding.

Windows License Types Explained

Unless you have a (what M/S calls a Retail version) you can not use your COA key on another computer or motherboard. It is locked, legally to the original computer it was first activated on.

Note:
Just because one buys Windows 7 in a retail store does not make it a Retail version of Windows 7.

You most likely have a OEM/SLP or OEM Builders addition and neither are transferable to another computer or different motherboard legally.

Jack

 

[atikovi]

That COA is married to the previous owner's computer and will do you absolutely no good.

But if the laptop had W7 before, as indicated by the COA, can't it be put back in?

 

[Layback Bear]

Do you have one of these on the computer you want to install Windows 7 on again?



Jack

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

The description of the item claims it does. However, I would contact the seller to verify that it actually does. If so, it can be used to authorize the same version of Windows 7 (Pro, according to the item description). I would also check with Dell to make sure you can get a replacement battery for that laptop since the description states the battery may or may not be in good condition.

 

[atikovi]

I'll have to ask the seller. But I guess I'll look for one that is complete and ready to use. Doesn't look like they are priced all that much more.

 

[torchwood]

Long story short


If the Motherboard has NOT been changed, and you use the same OS version as quoted on the COA you will be fine, thats why the codes there, if the re-install media is like for like, Dell to Dell, it should auto activate..

The install media is not a big problem

Roy

note you lost $20, 32/64 use the same key

 

[RolandJS]

"...Note: Just because one buys Windows 7 in a retail store does not make it a Retail version of Windows 7..."
Right as rain! I was simply shortcut posting, if the thread starter knew what Retail meant, no sense in parroting same back. If the thread starter did not know the definitions of, and differences between, Retail and OEM -- youse guys would have posted answers to his questions In fact, my favorite Austin TX business computer store sells both OEM and Retail Windows 7 Professional.

 

[margrave]

Everyone seems concerned about the OS. I'd be more concerned about the laptop. How do you know it even works? Even the seller cannot know ... because there's no OS! You could be buying a $74 brick.

 

[atikovi]

Does say Notes: This Dell was tested with system diagnostics and passed. Key Functions were tested and found to be in good. Please note pictures are a representation of what you will get, it may not be the exact one shown on the pictures. We have more than one in stock at the time of this posting.

 

[Megahertz07]

Use MS downloader to download a Win 7 pro OEM iso. https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows ISO Downloader.exe
Bunr a DVD or install it on a USB flash disk using Rufus Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way or MS https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
Install on your SSD using the COA key.

 

[Mellon Head]

Here's a thought...

What if the laptop's COA key was re-used on another Dell laptop of the same type, or the key was somehow activated on another PC? The OP wouldn't be able to use the existing COA key as it would already be activated.

Or am I way off base here?

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Since COAs on computers are OEM, it would be difficult to reuse them on another machine.

 

[atikovi]

I pulled the trigger for this one on Ebay: Dell laptop It was listed for $200, I offered $150 and they accepted. It has the 3rd gen i5 with 8GB RAM while most others have 2nd gen and 4GB. Best part is it's still under Dell warranty until August. Most others in this price range were 5 to 7 years old. Is this a good deal?

 

[Megahertz07]

It's a good deal if you can make it work. Did you try what I wrote on post 14?

 

[atikovi]

It's a good deal if you can make it work. Did you try what I wrote on post 14?

No, this one I just bought has a HD and OS and is ready to use.

 

[Megahertz07]

When you buy a used or refurbished computer you never know what they have installed.
If I were you, I would do a Factory Recover just to be sure it's clean from spyware and other things.