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‎03-20-2019 03:09 PM

HP Recommended
Product: compaq 6720s
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista

hi, so my son was gifted a compaq 6720s laptop. i have ordered a new hard drive for it.

i know how to change over but how do i keep laptop working? ie keep windows vista etc as dont think who gifted it has the original discs. i can purchase an external hard drive if needed to make the switch.

thanks in advance

1 REPLY 1

‎03-21-2019 07:21 PM - edited ‎03-21-2019 08:46 PM

HP Recommended

Option 1: If old harddisk is bootable, clone the harddisk to new one. Clonezilla is free and does the job. After booting from new harddisk/SSD, do a factory reset. (Google for it). May (?) need product key. Check bottom of laptop for sticker.

 

Option 2: See if the laptop has a product key sticker (usually at the bottom of laptop). You can download and reinstall Vista, and use product key to activate. Google where to download Vista ISO.

 

Microsoft no longer support Vista as of April 11, 2017. If you want to try Windows 10, follow this link to download Windows 10 media creator (or  ISO file if you're running MacOS or Linux). Require USB stick to install. You can purchase product license when everything works on your laptop.

 

Todate, if you have spare Windows 7 product key, you can use it to activate Windows 10 (even though official free upgrade of Windows 7 has expired). YMMV.

 

** I don't work for HP ** Click Blue Thumbs Up icon below if you like my answer
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