Aurora R4, how do I set back up after both HDDs failed?

I have an alienware aurora r4 desktop and windows 7 home premium.

Why is the Windows CoA key sticker not on the back of the machine?

Are you the original owner?

What exact model do you have and what version of Windows are you trying to install?

No, and all I see is the manufaturers sticker

A desktop case w/an original Alien mthrbrd, the alien-logo factory OEM 7 Sp1 DVD installs activated w/out need for a product key, typical source for new/used is eBay (when available, $10-$40 typical) or try AlienAddict's (virus-free exact copy of OEM DVD) Mega download

DVD no longer sold through Dell, u can call/chat them if they still sell it on USB

Other sources for (64bit) reinstall media that need a product key are Micro$oft & Dell

Most people burn Addict's (or M$) copy to DVD to get up & running & then decide what to do later

It's been a while since I reinstalled 7 which needed update scan patches to work, see this if need be or try google search for latest info > Post-install how to fix update scan

edit: "I dont mind getting a new key I just need to know what to buy / all I see is the manufaturers sticker"

7 product key label is inboard, see photo ... Windows 8.x PCs did not get a rear label, the product key is digitally tattooed into the Bios chip

If you have (or buy) the OEM Alien-logo DVD & have an original alien mthrbrd, ALL versions of 7 install activated (Home Pro Ultimate), you do not need a product key for any of these three versions, u just need the OEM DVD (example: desktop was originally sold w/ W7 Home > if u purchase a Pro or Ulimate OEM DVD, both will install activated, by design)(you're free to purchase & install Home Pro or Ultimate)

Alienware Multi-Language OEM Reinstall DVD Part#'s to look for:

7HP DRGYF >< 7HP SP1 T8R68 >< 7Pro SP1 0KK7H  >< 7Ult SP1 W2X98

Only Alien Logo DVDs install already pre-activated onto an alien mthrbrd (& your 7 install will upgrade to W10 as normal / til time runs out)

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@Cass-Ole wrote:

 

If you have (or buy) the OEM Alien-logo DVD & have an original alien mthrbrd,

ALL versions of Alienware OEM Windows-7 install and activate (Home, Pro, Ultimate),

you do not need a product key for any of these three versions, u just need the OEM DVD

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Read that carefully @jmaan  . :Smile:

Pretty sure Pro and Ultimate will still (just barely) qualify of free Windows-10 Pro 64-bit upgrade.

https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware-Desktops/Aurora-R7-M-2-NVMe-bootable-options/td-p/6073037

Holy cows! I found the key its there! Awesome. Now what do I just find the oem disk somewhere? Do I have to update to win 10? I would rather keep 7, but anyway thank you guys so much.

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@jmaan wrote:

1. Holy cows! I found the key its there! Awesome.

2. Now what do I just find the oem disk somewhere?

3. Do I have to update to win 10?

4. I would rather keep 7, but anyway thank you guys so much.

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1. Yep

2. If you must

3. You don't have to, but I would (especially if free-upgrade is still offered).

4. Sorry to hear that. Windows-7 is old and obsolete.

All I can find are different version of the installation disk, is this the same thing?

Find an OEM disk, download the Addict copy, buy a generic Dell disk or download ISO from M$ ... buy or burn to DVD or try bootable USB stick

Support for Win7 runs out in 2020, so do free update to 10 before then; grab spare HDD, image/clone your 7 install w/Macrium Reflect onto spare drive & update that 7 clone to 10 'now' or 'soon', but u can still use the 7 drive in the meantime & plug in the new 10 drive whenever, that's part of the perk (dual-use of 7 & 10 on same machine) 

I can't see your photo (it needs Moderator approval after they come to work tomorrow), someone will check your photo later when it publishes. If u encounter software / install issues, someone else will help u out 

See Phillip Yip's 7 8 10 Master Guide |  Tesla 7 Install Guide

R4 7 | 10 Drivers Software Bios