I purchased a 128GB SSD for my HP computer. How do I use recovery discs on it?

[hmanders]

My current HDD works fine, but I wanted the speed advantage of installing the OS and programs on an SSD.  I tried to use the recovery discs on the SSD and it got all the way to the last step, but couldn't get past the file copy part - I let it run overnight.  How Can I use the recovery discs on this upgraded drive?  It's 128GB, which is plenty of room for the two partitions and the full recovery data.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

if the original hard drive is significantly larger than the SSD you installed, neither the recovery disks you made nor the HP factory recovery disks won't work.

I would think it would have to be within 10 or 20 GB for the disks to work.

Paul

[hmanders]

So what's the solution?  The desktop I purchased came with a license to use Windows 7 Home Premium 64.  Even if the recovery discs won't work, why should I not be able to use that license on the new drive in the same computer?  I guess the question is, how can I get the licensed OS onto the new drive?  

[hmanders]

Thank you for the reply.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're welcome.

The only way I know if is to find someone that has a Dell Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit OEM reinstallation disk or a regular OEM installation disk.

Use that to install the OS.

When you go to activate (if you use a Dell Disk), you will get an activation error and you will get prompted to change the product key. At that point you can enter the product key off your PC and it should activate just fine.

You can normally find such disks on eBay if you don't know someone with a Dell PC with the same OS as yours.

Except the cheapest one I see on eBay right now to buy it now, is this one.  $40.00.

You can bid on them if you want to wait for that process.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Windows-7-Home-Premium-64-Bit-SP1-DELL-DVD-PC-LAPTOP-/110836460959?pt=LH...

You may be better off buying an OEM install program with the key. ($100)  Use the license off your HP.

Then you will have a license that came with the disk for another PC if you ever need one from the one you purchased.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

That's the best I can come up with for you.

Paul

[hmanders]

Wow! Thank you for the response and help. I can take it from here and will look at the OEM options. Big help!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I use Dell disks all the time.

You may get a Dell logo in your system info, but who cares if you can borrow a disk for free. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Here is a link to some Windows 7 installs.

See if the Home Premium works with your OEM key.

http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/

Paul

[hmanders]

Thanks a huge amount again!  One question - will my key still work for the SP1 image?  Mine was purchased before SP1 came out.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

SP version won't matter.

The question is...will your OEM key work on that download?

I do not know if it is a "one size fits all file," or will just a retail key work, or just an OEM, key or just an upgrade key?

You, my friend, are the test subject. 

Please post back, and let us know the outcome.

Worst case scenario, is you go back to Plan A (my other OEM disk/purchase recommendation).

This guy asked the question on the bottom of the page and the other guy said it would.

vivsupport January 3, 2012 at 10:41 pm

I have Windows 7 Professional on my Laptop with an OEM License, my recovery partition is unrepairable, will I be able to use this Retail ISO with my unactivated OEM License? Thanks in advance.

Reply

• 
  wakkawakka January 5, 2012 at 7:08 pm

  Should work. I did the same with win7 home premium. Just enter your key (at the bottom of the laptop or in your documentation) and validate online when prompted.

Paul