Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get on our hard drives with Windows and drivers preinstalled.

Can I install this hard drive in another model of laptop?

No. These hard drive are model specific and will not boot up in most other laptop. Any other model would need to have the same SATA Operation Mode available in the BIOS and the identical Intel chipset. Unlike IDE hard drives, SATA hard drives with Windows installed will not boot up in any computer. The SATA Operation Mode in the BIOS must match the SATA drivers installed on the hard drive.

Where can I find my Windows product key?

The product key for your laptop will be on the Microsoft COA (Certificate of Authenticity) sticker on the bottom of your laptop. On some models it is located under the battery. It will also tell you what version of Windows the product key is for.

Do I need to have a product key for the exact version of Windows?

Yes. All Microsoft Windows product keys are version specific – a Windows 7 Home Premium key will not validate Windows 7 Professional.

Does it matter if I had the 32-Bit version installed before and now want the 64-Bit version?

No. A Windows product key will validate either 32-Bit or 64-Bit version of that same OS. Even if you had 32-Bit installed before you can switch to the 64-Bit version and validate it with the same product key.

What do I do if the version of Windows on my COA if different from the one in the listing?

Just follow the links to our eBay store. Use the menu on the left to see if we have the hard drive for your model of laptop with your version of Windows installed.

What if I do not have a product key or want a version of Windows that is different from the one on my COA?

If you don’t have any product key, or you want an version of Windows other than the one you have a product key for, then you need to either purchase that OS with an unused product key. You can find some sellers on eBay selling COA stickers from laptops that have been recycled and therefore the product key is no longer in use.

How long would it take me to install Windows and drivers myself on a new blank hard drive?

It takes at least 4-5 hours to install Windows, and drivers, if you know what you are doing. You have install Windows, then download and install all the Windows updates. Then you have to download and install all the drivers needed. If you have a Windows DVD and want to do it yourself, follow the links to our eBay Store where you will find model specific hard drives with caddies.