HP ProDesk 600 G1 upgrade to SSD

[HP_PC]

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase a HP ProDesk 600 G1 and replace the HDD with a SSD.

My question is how can I install Windows 7 on the SSD?

Does HP supply a Windows 7 OEM product key which I can use with an Windows 7 ISO downloaded from Microsoft?

Any suggestions welcome.

John

[lasvegaswireman]

John,

HP doesn't appear to supply a Windows 7 OEM product key for you to use with a Windows 7 ISO. Provided you are purchasing a configuration with downgrade rights, HP will typically pre-install Windows 8 and provide a set of Windows 7 "HP Recovery Discs" or will pre-install Windows 7 and provide a set of Windows 8 discs. Exactly what you get depends on the ordering configuration you select. In either case, there will be no visible product key on the computer due to changes in the Microsoft licensing requirements. As of the introduction of Windows 8, the Windows product key is encypted and embedded in the BIOS.

Please see the following HP Forum threads for infomation and possible solution related to your question;

HP Windows 8 downgrade to Win 7 HP 8300 SFF - No Win 7 OEM sticker.

Downgrade from Win 8 to 7, where's my key?

HP Pro 3500 - Why Windows 8 Restore CDs?

windows product keys

HP Pro 3500 windows 8 upgrade

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

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[HP_PC]

Hi Frank,

Thank you for your suggestions. I will give them a go and let you know how I get on.

John

[HP_PC]

Hi Frank,

I purchased the machine and it was supplied (as you said) with a set of Windows 7 disks. One for the OS and one for the Windows 7 drivers.

It was simply a matter of fitting the SSD drive and booting from the OS disk.

I will keep your notes in case it's not as easy next time.

John

[Rick_RLCSR]

We have the identical machine and it came with both Win 7 and Win 8.1 restore disks. My suggestion would be:

1. Physically install the SSD
2. Use the restore DVD disk (and accompanying Driver disk) to install Win 7 on your SSD
3. Change your BIOS to start from your SSD.

You now will have your original operating system on Drive 1, so to speak, and Win 7 on your SSD. If you ever wanted to start up from Drive 1, you could just change your BIOS.

I do want to qualify the above by saying that I don't know if this violates any license agreement with Microsoft or HP, and I absolutely am not suggesting nor advocating that you do so...you'll need to check the fine print in the license agreement on that part!  

Hope that helps.

[SCS_Admin]

I installed my SSD drive into the case with black isolation mounting screws from eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SSD-BLACK-ISOLATION-MOUNTING-SCREWS-M3-for-HP-/191851923033

Now I have both my SSD and 3.5" factory drives fit nicley intomthe proDesk 600 case. I use the factory drive for backups.