DV7 4285 failed. Have complete Acronis backup. Can I restore to newer DV7

[Pandion]

My DV7-4285 had been cooked (fan died) Wont boot . Error code System Temp 90D.  I have complete Acronis True Image backup.  I see 4285 offered on Ebay, along with newer DV7s.  I plan to replace defunct 4285, either with another 4285, or a newer DV7, replace hard drive with mine and restore whole backup.

Should I go with another 4285, or take advantage of features of a newer computer?  I have a lot invested in software on the old 4285.

Thanks for your help.

Gordon

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@Pandion

Haven't used Acronis in a while, but if it's a complete image backup, then it contains the drivers, as well as the OS, apps, utilities, and personal data -- and that presents a problem.

With the same model HP, the same drivers will work; but with a newer model HP, they might not, and if the video drivers don't work and you don't see a display, that's going to make it very, very difficult to fix.

Also, the Windows install in that image is licensed to your existing HP PC, and OEM licenses are NOT transferrable between PCs, meaning -- even if it installs OK, it will not activate on a new PC.

So yes, you can do the restore, but there are issues after you do that.

[Radler]

He could simply change the product key with slmgr /upk and slmgr /ipk (which would lower the remaining rearm count), provided the replacement machine has the same version and edition of oem windows, and if it doesnt activate automatically, which it won't as it's an OEM license key, he can activate it over the phone. I think I did something of the sort a while ago.

[WAWood]

@Radler

Activation over the phone does not work for OEM versions.  When you call Microsoft to activate and you give them the product key, they will tell you that they will not activate it, as it is not a Retail version.  HP does not activate over the phone.  SO, that won't work.

Rearm count is also a waste of time, as that only works for a few iterations, and then it stops working.  That is not a long-term solution.

[Radler]

Well I don't know about how it ought to be, but I can tell you I have successfuly activated OEM keys with Microsoft reps over the phone in the past, without any fuss actually. Dunno how it is these days.

PS

To avoid all of these issues in the future, I'd suggest using a disc imaging/backup software such as Macrium Reflect, take a snapshot of the drive after you do a clean install and all (important) updates, and then you dont have to worry about activation and such (if youre not changing the motherboard that is).

Sorry, I seem to have somehow lost sight of the fact you do have a backup image.

[WAWood]

@Radler 

My experience has been different -- in that once MS learned it was an OEM product key, they refused help and said to call HP, and since HP does not do phone activation, that was a waste of time.

[Radler]

I guess it varies from country to country or from manager to manager. Anyhow, if all else fails, and HP doesn't have the recovery disks for the particular unit you need available, you can always search the online aftermarket and repair shops.

But then you might as well get a new(er) machine and migrate what you need from your backup.