Replacing Dell Optiplex HDD with SSD. How I can reinstall the Windows without CD?

Edsanwong on 08/10/2016 - 23:17

Hi Ozb,

With so many SSD deals lately, I am tempted to replace the HDD in my Dell Optiplex 3020 with SSD.
Unfortunately, I have only basic skills in IT. After googling and googling, I kind of know what to do, but just to be 100% in how I can reinstall the Windows.
When I bought this desktop, I didnt get Windows CD (and no sticker on the unit about serial number).

After I remove the HDD, put the SSD, plug in the cables, what the next steps? Should I call Dell to send me the recovery disk?

Thanks everyone.

Computing

Comments

  • Colombian on 08/10/2016 - 23:35

    What OS are you talking about?

    • Edsanwong on 08/10/2016 - 23:47

      Windows 8.1

      • scrimshaw on 08/10/2016 - 23:59

        You can download windows 8.1 directly from Microsoft.

        https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/software-download/windows8

        Don't worry about the drivers and stuff. You can usually get by with generic drivers, but if you need the driver packages, grab them from Dell here and save everything onto a flash drive for later.

        Window 8.1 doesn't have any COA (certificate of authenticity) anymore. The product code is encrypted and hidden inside your BIOS, so there's no actual need to backup the code.

        • Edsanwong on 09/10/2016 - 13:56

          Thanks, Scrimshaw.

  • fruit on 08/10/2016 - 23:39

    You probably have Windows 8+ where the cd key in embedded into the UEFI chip.
    I unfortunately don't know if that OEM key will work.

    Try this http://www.howtogeek.com/186775/how-to-download-windows-7-8-…

    • altomic on 08/10/2016 - 23:58

      use this link to get your product key just in case.

    • Edsanwong on 09/10/2016 - 13:56

      Thank you for the link.

  • RobMel on 09/10/2016 - 08:24

    Easiest is just to clone the HDD to SSD.
    http://www.farstone.com/software/drive-clone.php

    Just buy a cheap USB3 case and place the SSD in it.
    Run the program.
    Swap drives
    Done,

    Does resizing, copying, UEFI thingy …

    • Edsanwong on 09/10/2016 - 13:58

      Is the free version sufficient RobMel?

      • RobMel on 09/10/2016 - 14:23

        Hi,

        Definitely, never used the commercial version. Used the free version 5 times over the last 3 years. Painless. Just go with defaults.

        Takes a couple of hours depending on used space and if you actually have USB2 or USB3.

        Cheers

    • fruit on 09/10/2016 - 16:11

      I've used http://clonezilla.org/ and loved it. (Open Source and part of http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ )

      • RobMel on 09/10/2016 - 16:18

        I hear you.
        Just considering the OP comment having only basic IT skills….
        With Drive Clone you just download, normal windows install run with defaults and you are done apart from the drive swap afterwards.
        But the drive swap is the same regardless.

        Not sure how this compares to clonezilla and if it can handle the whole UEFI etc..

        • fruit on 09/10/2016 - 16:19

          Ah very good point, can't do it under Windows.

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