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installing an SSD drive

I have a windows 8.1 desktop PC. I plan to install a 250 GB SSD. This particular PC was running windows 7 and I upgraded to windows 8. I have misplaced my licence key. How do I install the new SSD? Keep in mind I have misplaced both licence keys from Windows 7 and Windows 8 and I do not want to pay for that OS software the second time. Thanks in advance for your help.
capreol

John

If you have misplaced your license keys you need to find them, or call Microsoft Store / Support and see if they will replace the license keys for you.

You cannot install an OS without a license so you need to find the keys

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Gary Case

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Richard Christensen

ASKER

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.
capreol

Lee W, MVP

Why are you throwing away expensive things like keys - they are worth over $100 to you and you treat them like gum wrappers? Write the keys down, SAVE THEM like the important documents they are.

Now, that said, if the PC came with a Windows, look on it for a sticker - Windows 7 PCs that come with Windows have a sticker on them with the key.

For Windows 8, now that you've upgraded you try to use key finding utilities such as this http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Natty Greg

You could have sysprep the hard drive and then clone it and install it onto the ssd, it would have had all your files and settings too.