Replaced hard drive on laptop so operating system gone can I use........

[Marking]

Replaced hard drive....it had an OEM version of windows 7...so that is gone now and I have no operating system HP Pavillion DM4. Can I just use something like ubuntu? I have only ever used windows operating systems and have never even seen ubuntu in service. Make a bootable USB with ubuntu on it and install that way?

 

[faalin]

There should be a windows sticker on the bottom of the laptop. If you know what version you had win 7 home, pro, or ultimate in ether 32 bit or 64 you can use any cd/dvd or usb key to reinstall the same version you had before.

Even if you cant read the key on the bottom but know what version you can call microsoft and they will set you up with a new key. I had to take pictures and they logged into my laptop to verify but gave me a new key.

 

[mjslakeridge]

If you don't see the windows sticker on the bottom of the laptop as suggested, it may be in the battery compartment, under the battery.

 

[Marking]

Yes I have the sticker on bottom but I thought once the original oem OS was gone you were not allowed to reinstall it again unless you purchased a new one. I bought the laptop used a couple years ago.

 

[Rogue Leader]

You can re-install Windows 7 and use that key off the sticker, it will work.

If you don't have the disc you can download and make one here

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

 

[faalin]

If the computer is still working you can reinstall it as many times as you want to that computer, the key is heavily tied to the motherboard so if it dies then the key dies with it.

 

[Marking]

ok thank you very much I will certainly do that, the laptop I hope only needs a HD ............ I do have a desk top with windows 10 that needs a mother board so I am out of luck in using my windows 8 that I purchased for the desk top when i replace MB??

 

[dudeman509]

ok thank you very much I will certainly do that, the laptop I hope only needs a HD ............ I do have a desk top with windows 10 that needs a mother board so I am out of luck in using my windows 8 that I purchased for the desk top when i replace MB??

No, not necessarily. If it was linked with your Microsoft account, it will start up, install the new drivers and stuff, and then ask you to log in to your Microsoft account again to confirm activation. At least that is how it's worked when I switched HDD's between computers.