How to retrieve Windows 7 64bits license after replacing hard drive?

Question

Hi, I had to replace the hard drive on my Inspiron 15R (N5010). This laptop was delivered without windows CD, but I created a recovery disk on a USB stick, as recommended. The problem is that my new hard drive is smaller than the original one (240GB instead of 465GB), and the recovery disk cannot be used.  It is impossible to restore windows... So how can I retrieve a working copy of windows? Is there a way to download windows and retrieve the license number that I had on the older hard drive? Thank you for your help.

Philip_Yip · Answer

See here:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/windows-7-sp1-iso-download/

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows-7/microsoft-product-activation/the-activation-backup-and-recovery-program-windows-7-version/

Follow Windows Reinstallation Guide/A Clean Install of Windows 7:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/

For detailed instructions.

vegas06 · Answer

Many thanks. Now I am able to create a recovery disk. Unfortunately, I am still not able to retrieve my windows product key... I guess I have to contact Dell.

Philip_Yip · Answer

See here:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/the-oem-or-retail-license/

You should have a COA affixed to the system (likely in the battery compartment).

You can use the Activation Backup and Recovery Program with the files I backed up here to activate via the Dell OEM system locked preinstallation activation mechanism:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/microsoft-product-activation/the-activation-backup-and-recovery-program-windows-7-version/

Windows General

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