Used machine without hard drive

[rdwray]

I have a used Inspiron 1750 with a 1600 x 900 display that is not in my hands yet. I have a cloned hard drive from a 1750 with a 1900 x 1080 display. I am also sure that some other things will require different drivers.

The HD has 3 partitions on it -
1. Dell OEM Win7 x64.
2. Win8 retail.
3 Win7 that I downloaded and installed with the COA.

Before I start on this "operation", is there anything that I need to get straight before I start? The used machine does have the COA with it.

 

[AddRAM]

What is your question ?

Do you mean, will the operating systems startup and run ok ? Who knows, they may they may not.
You may have to reinstall both, but if they both run, ( consider yourself lucky ) they will probably have to be reactivated.

 

[gregrocker]

It should start up and run, possibly installing drivers or delivering different or newer ones via Windows Updates.

If not confirm the Active partition and run Startup Repair - Run up to 3 Separate Times from its DVD or Repair CD. Whichever OS you installed first should hold the Active flag and System boot files. You can observe this if neccesary by booting Partition Wizard CD or from the Win7 DVD or Repair CD: Partition - Mark as Active (Method Two)

Since you dont' have an EFI BIOS on that old or new model it avoids complications that might interfere otherwise, plus since its to the same hardware moving the HD doesn't require adjusting the OS with special programs.

 

[rdwray]

Just got the machine and when I plugged in the HD, it booted on all 3 partitions and loaded all drivers needed without any problem; my real amazement is in that the OEM worked - the Lord had His hand in this one. Hope this may help out other in the future.

 

[whs]

How did you manage the activation.

 

[rdwray]

The OEM activated itself. The scratch install of Win7 that I downloaded activated with the COA. Win8 is not cooperating, I will have to do some more looking but I don't think it will work. Currently I am satisfied since I am not a Win8 fan anyway.

 

[Golden]

Hi,

You might want to follow these steps which will allow us to check for potential flaws in the activation:

1. Download and save this tool to your desktop:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012

2. Run the tool, and then click 'Copy' - ignore any errors if they appear

3. Use CTRL+V to paste the unedited results of the validation tool here in your next reply

More info: http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html

Regards,
Golden