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August 13th, 2017 08:00
alienware m17 x r2 hard drive/os
Trying to get my old M17x R2 Alienware laptop up and running. I ran it by geek-squad, but they turned me down once they heard about the OS they would have to install on it. It needs a new hard drive(told its bad and needs replaced) and a OS(i don't have the disk that came with the laptop). What i'm curious about is id like to replace the hard drive with a better one with more space also. So any recommendations is welcome. Also last time it was working it shows it had Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, but on the back it shows it was installed with Windows Vista. From the attached pictures what would you recommend?
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Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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August 13th, 2017 10:00
Due to it's old age and speed, the only drive I would install is a SSD. Maybe a 256gb should be fine. It's 4gb memory is fine.
If you want to install Windows-7 (64bit) you will have to provide the disk and serial number you used before. Otherwise, Windows-10/64bit is about $100.
You can test Windows-10 for free:
Download Windows 10
speedstep
9 Legend
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47K Posts
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August 14th, 2017 06:00
Replacement Hard Drives are relatively easy to find.
Amazon.com: WD Black 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6 Gb/s 32MB Cache 7 MM 2.5 Inch Performance Mobile Hard Disk Drive (WD5000LPLX)…
Windows 10 home OEM DVD is also easy to find.
Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit System Builder OEM | PC Disc
Eimy_B
4 Operator
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4.4K Posts
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August 14th, 2017 09:00
Hi cody2222222222,
These are the validated drives for your system:
Up to 2 SATA II HDDs [in Single Drive Configuration]
SATA : 500GB SATA II HDD at 7200 RPM
SSD : 128 and 256GB Solid State HDD
And these are the validated OS:
64 bit Operating System Only
Microsoft® Windows® 7 Business
Microsoft® Windows® 7 Premium
Microsoft® Windows® 7 Ultimate
You can go to the Microsoft page and create a Windows 7 image but you'll need the original product key that came with the original paperwork.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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August 14th, 2017 10:00
If these are the only ones, then why does this machine apparently only have a Windows Vista CoA sticker attached to the bottom? Hmm.
Maybe OP should verify Service Tag at support.dell.com . Maybe it's just a m17x-R1 ?
OP can also see what version of Windows is listed in "Original Config".
If that installed Windows-7 was legit, they should have original installation media and install key/serial. Pretty sure that includes if it was obtained by cheap/free upgrade offer (through Dell or Microsoft) ... even an Academic copy.
speedstep
9 Legend
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47K Posts
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August 14th, 2017 10:00
Actually for OEM COA you CANNOT "go to the Microsoft page and create a Windows 7 ISO"
Mainstream Windows 7 support ended Jan 13. 2015
ALL of the digital River downloads are gone.
Microsoft makes the Windows 7 SP1 RETAIL ISO available for direct download through their site.
The only catch is that you’ll need a valid RETAIL product key in order to download the file
OEM keys (like the one that came on a sticker under your laptop) don't and won’t work.
ONLY a valid retail product key can download ISO images via the Software Recovery Center.