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Clone Hd or reinstall

  • 11-04-2021 10:43am
    #1
    guil
    Registered Users Posts: 10,475 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi, I've ordered an SSD for an old laptop and there is nothing on it important. would cloning the HD or just reinstall windows from a creation tool be the best way?


Comments

  • #2
    RobertFoster
    Registered Users Posts: 9,116 ✭✭✭RobertFoster


    I'd go for the clean install. It's easier and less faffing about than with cloning. There's less cruft built up using Windows 10 compared to older OSs, but it's still nice to go in fresh.

    Extract what files you need from the old drive and the Windows key if you need it. You don't have to wipe it straight away, it can remain a backup image until you're completely happy with the new install.


  • #3
    guil
    Registered Users Posts: 10,475 ✭✭✭✭guil


    Seen something about the Uefi storing the windows key before


  • #4
    advertsfox
    Registered Users Posts: 2,699 ✭✭✭advertsfox


    guil wrote: »
    Seen something about the Uefi storing the windows key before
    If it was pre activated in this way, you can extract the key for activation first by doing this:

    - Press Windows key + X
    - Click Command Prompt (Admin)
    - At the command prompt, type:

    wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

    This will reveal the product key (copy / paste for later).


  • #5
    Inquitus
    Registered Users Posts: 13,729 ✭✭✭✭Inquitus


    RobertFoster wrote: »
    I'd go for the clean install. It's easier and less faffing about than with cloning. There's less cruft built up using Windows 10 compared to older OSs, but it's still nice to go in fresh.

    Extract what files you need from the old drive and the Windows key if you need it. You don't have to wipe it straight away, it can remain a backup image until you're completely happy with the new install.

    I concur with this fine gentleman, a clean install will do wonders for your machine and you can simply connect the other drive as storage, copy over what you want to retain to your new SSD and then re-format the old drive to be your new storage drive.


  • #6
    Philipx
    Registered Users Posts: 182 ✭✭Philipx


    Did this on a laptop & my desktop a couple of weeks ago.

    Usb with Media Creation Tool for fresh install of Win 10.

    If you install the same version as previously installed on the machine (Win 10 Home or Pro or whatever) it should automatically activate when you connect to the internet.


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