Transfer Windows 8.1 to new hard drive?

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by JBenal, Jul 2, 2015.

  1. JBenal

    JBenal MDL Addicted

    Nov 2, 2009
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    #1 JBenal, Jul 2, 2015
    I got a good deal on a Dell Inspiron 17 (i7, 16gigs RAM) but I don't want to use the mechanical drive that comes in it. I want to put in the SSD from my current laptop. Is there a way I can reinstall Windows 8.1 and keep the OS legal? Would it just be a matter of installing from the recovery disk and using the COA key?
     
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  2. tonto11

    tonto11 MDL Addicted

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    #2 tonto11, Jul 2, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2015
    Get a copy of Hiren's boot cd.
    with one of the disk tools create a partition on the new drive a bit bigger than that on the old
    with "ghost" backup the old drive to the new drive
    install and boot the new drive and it should be activated
    if it isn't re-apply the COA key

    just used this technique on an E5520

    ... T
     
  3. Ascii2

    Ascii2 MDL Novice

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    #3 Ascii2, Jul 2, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2017
  4. JBenal

    JBenal MDL Addicted

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    #4 JBenal, Jul 2, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2015
    (OP)

    I'll definitely give it a try. Who knows? Maybe the mechanical drive will be adequate. But if it's anything like my current laptop, it sped up like 10X when I added the SSD.
     
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