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mark_D74
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Windows 8 reinstallation using files from recovery partition (damaged disk)

Hi,
I have a Dell Inspiron 3521 with Windows 8. It has no COA label/activation code on the underside (presumably it's license is tied to the BIOS).  The disk is damaged, unbootable and no recover disks were ever made.  However, I was able to get the full contents of the 4th and 6th partitions which seem to house the recovery setup.  I've also gotten most of the data from the windows partition.

Partition 6 has two small .wim files and 4 .swm files which are 3-4Gb in size.  I've attached a screen dump to show the partition's files and directories.

Some points to note:
I can't get a recovery DVD from Dell or any other source
I don't have any other Windows 8 media to work with

My question is, is there any way I can restore this PC to a new disk using what I've saved from the recovery partitions?  I've attached screenshots showing the files/folders of partitions 4 and 6 with the WIM and SWM files highlighted.

Thanks in advance!
partition-4.gif
partition-6.gif
ComponentsDesktopsStorage HardwareDell

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mark_D74

8/22/2022 - Mon