Questions about installing a new hard drive in a Dell Inspirion N7110

[Gnatrol]

I have a corrupt HD, so I'm planning on replacing it.
But I have been told if I do that I must also buy a new OS. As the disk that came with the computer is specific to the hard drive in it, or something to that effect.
Is this true, or will the disk that Dell sent with the computer work to install the OS once the new hard drive is in.
I'd hate to get a new hard drive in, just to find out that I now need to buy a OS as well.
Thank You

 

[oscer1]

Hi welcome to 7F

you can use the disk as many times as you want to reinstall the operating system on the same computer even to a new hard drive

 

[Layback Bear]

A COA code is locked to the motherboard in the computer not the hard drive.

Which means as long as you have the COA key for Windows 7 that came with the laptop you can install Windows 7 on a new hard drive on that laptop.

Their should be a Microsoft sticker on the laptop with the proper COA key.
It might be on the bottom of the laptop or in the battery compartment.

I have no idea what Dell put on the disc.
First let us know if you have the COA key that came with that laptop.

Do not post the Microsoft COA key.

 

[Gnatrol]

I do have the code it's also on the package the disc came in. Luckily as the one on the bottom of the computer wore off. Thank you all very much.

 

[gregrocker]

Does it specifically say "Product Key" for your licensed verison on the disk? Normally a Dell Reinstallation DVD doesn't have the Product Key printed on it or its sleeve since it will self-activate, unless it is a different version than the one which shipped with the PC, e.g. an Upgrade from Vista. What is the version on the COA sticker on machine vs. the COA sticker on the disk?

Also does it specfiically say on the disk SP1? If not use the latest official installer provided in Step 1 of Clean Reinstall Windows 7 burned to disk or flash stick with the tool also provided. However only do this you have a Product Key of the same version since it will not self-activate like a Reinstallation DVD will do.

Then folllow the steps in the tutorial to get and keep a perfect install, just like a million others have without a single complaint.

Be sure to read the Special Note to Dell Owners at the end so you know how to handle the partitioning.

Ask back any questions.

 

[Layback Bear]

Good you have a good chance you have legal COA key.

Just follow Gregs tutorials and instruction and you should be a happy camper.

You did not say where you bought the Disk with Windows 7 on it.
Believe me that is very important.

 

[oscer1]

on all the dells i have owned you did not have to have the key as it was intagrated into the disk. i do not know about win 7 had not had to reinstall yet on my dell it came with a disk to reinstall the os.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, Win7 Reinstallation DVD's have Activation baked in along with Dell logo on the System page. They will often be accompanied by a driver disk although its best to get the latest drivers via Updates and then if any are missing using the Dell Tag number on the Dell Support Downloads webpage.

More in Clean Reinstall Windows 7 including a Special Note to Dell Owners at the end about how to handle the partitioning. Your comments are welcomed, Oscer, as this is always a work in progress.