[ProgDevil]

I have a question. Currently, I'm using Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit) on my Dell Inspiron M5040 8GB RAM, but I am thinking about upgrading my hard drive. Currently, it's 500GB, but I want a 1TB hard drive. I spoke to a Microsoft tech about this matter, and he told me that because my machine came with pre-installed Windows 7 Home Premium in it, that if I were to upgrade my hard drive, that I would need an OEM Windows 7 Home Premium disc, so that I would be able to use my current product key. Because if it was not an OEM disc, that my product key would not work. So my question is that really true that I in fact need an OEM Windows 7 disc because my computer came with Windows 7 pre-installed, or would a recovery disc (I've seen them on eBay) do the job and install with my Product Key? I would really appreciate anyone's help with my matter.

 

[alpenadiver]

All you have to do is clone your current hard drive, to the new drive. make sure to use the bit for bit cloning option if it is offered in the software.

Here are some good cloning software programs.
Macrium Reflect Free
EaseUS Disk Copy Freeware - Free Disk Copy, Disk Clone Software download to Clone Hard Drive

 

[Old Rich]

You can download Windows 7 operating using your product key here:

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

Burn the iso as an image using something like imgburn

 

[ProgDevil]

Questions: If I were to use the cloning option, will it completely copy everything I have in my computer? Then all I have to do is use the DVD and run it once new hard drive is installed?

Another option: using Old Rich's suggestion, that will only install Windows 7 onto my computer, correct? According to the Microsoft tech because my version of Windows 7 came pre-installed in the computer, it was considered an OEM Product Key. Will my Product Key work & will it install the OEM version of Windows 7 (64 bit) onto my computer again?

Out of the 2 options, which one would be the best option?

Would really appreciate your assistance.

 

[alpenadiver]

The cloning route will make an exact copy of your old drive, everything will be carried over.

I can't comment on the OS download, as I have never tried with a OEM License.

 

[Old Rich]

Questions: If I were to use the cloning option, will it completely copy everything I have in my computer? Then all I have to do is use the DVD and run it once new hard drive is installed?

Another option: using Old Rich's suggestion, that will only install Windows 7 onto my computer, correct? According to the Microsoft tech because my version of Windows 7 came pre-installed in the computer, it was considered an OEM Product Key. Will my Product Key work & will it install the OEM version of Windows 7 (64 bit) onto my computer again?

Out of the 2 options, which one would be the best option?

Would really appreciate your assistance.

When you use your product key to download the iso file, it should match and activate ok

 

[Superion]

We all agreed with the EULA which states it's illegal to transfer an OEM license to another computer under any circumstance. Sorry I have to be that guy. However, since you aren't transferring to another computer your key should still work.