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March 16th, 2025 18:36
Need to replace SSD storage
The main SSD drive failed and needs to be replaced. I was able to find what was called a driver package based on the service tag. However, I'll also need to be able to install Windows 10 Pro. How do I get the installation media for that?
I'm thinking I should be able to download a Windows 10 installer from Microsoft but I expect there will be licensing requirements in order to actually install and use it. How does that work?
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Chino de Oro
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March 17th, 2025 04:33
Already answered on your other thread. Not necessary to create duplicate thread for the same machine with the same issue. Anyway, paste my answer here as well.
If your laptop had Windows 10 Pro digital license activated, you can reinstall Windows 10 Pro or 11 Pro and it will be activated with entitlement digital license.
Use Windows Creation Tool to make a USB installer and select the same edition (Pro) to install on the replacement SSD. When connecting to internet, it will be activated automatically.
aajax
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March 17th, 2025 12:14
Sorry but this is a different computer. I should have been more clear. I thought posting in the Optiplex section would make that clear. This computer is an Optiplex 3050 which is quite a bit older than the aforementioned laptop. This one is not affected by things like Bitlocker and RAID which are the main source of problems for that laptop.
Also, since posting I have discovered a command that I did not previously know about. It can be used to obtain a product key as follows:
wmicpath softwareLwicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
Would it be correct to think that product key would work when performing the new installation? One of my well established practices is to NOT connect a computer to the Internet until after the installation is complete and I have a backup image (.wim file) that could be used for restoration purposes. This approach does seem to work for Windows 10 but apparently not Windows 11 which is one reason I prefer Windows 10.
(edited)
Chino de Oro
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March 17th, 2025 12:23
The same answer I provided can be apply to the OptiPlex 3050 except for official Windows 11 support. You can verify if Windows 10 Pro was activated on the OptiPlex 3050 before. It can be activated again after you perform a clean Windows 10 installation. The license is embedded on the motherboard and will be recognized during installation.