Hard Drive Failure / Replacement

[NickCbass]

Last nite the machine would not boot. Diag turns up hard disk failure - no warranty left (31 months old)

Ordered a new 27" Envy but I would like to put a new SSD in the old machine to keep it as a spare or use elsewhere.

2 questions... First what SSD would be compatible/recommended to replace the 1tb SSHD in it?

Second how would I get a new copy of W10 Home activated? I created a bootable USB with Windows download tool but I can't find the product key on the old machine as it won't boot. Is it true the that HP has a digital product key in the bios and that it would activate automatically?

Thanks, Nick

[wb2001 · Accepted solution]

@NickCbass 

What you said is true, the Product key is imbedded. It would expect the same size storage device.

An SSD 2.5" of 1TB capacity would work.   Here is the service manual.

To install the drive into the hard drive tray,

1) slide the drive into the SATA ports.

2) Slide the hard drive tray overtop the 2.5" drive.

3) 2 of the mounting screws hole should line up with the hard drive tray. You will need a thin washer large enough to secure the drive.

4)  Free WIN 10

If it fails to activate (internet access required) it only costs <$25.