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Resolved Question

Dell OS compatibility

Feb 10, 2015 4:30AM PST

I have a dead Dell PC, the HD is OK, I used an external USB adapter to test it and see all of the files. I want to build a cheap standard PC and would like to use the old HD and OS.. but it doesn't boot, keeps going back the the safe start screen. I even tried to install a new Win 7 OS but it says the HD files are a different type so it can't do that either. I would like to use the old HD because lots of personal files etc. are on it, but I can't even do the new install. I know I could back it all up via the USB HD adapter... any magic tricks I can use???

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bobhatedell has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Re: new PC
Feb 10, 2015 4:42AM PST

You've got to do a clean install of Windows 7. That works on a clean (empty) hard disk. So just do it on a new hard disk (using the old one as a backiup) or buy a new hard disk as backup for your lots of personal files, before you clen the old one. Your choice how to use the old and the new disk. Having a separate disk for backup, of course, is a necessity.

Are you aware that the Dell OEM license only is valid on the original Dell hardware, and now is void? So you need a new license for your new OS in your new PC.

Kees

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new HD`
Feb 10, 2015 10:30AM PST

after I thought about it, I ordered a new HD, going to install like a new PC build, then add the old HD so she can still get the files from it. Thanks!

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Answer
Be aware this looks like the old OEM OS issue.
Feb 10, 2015 4:42AM PST
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Answer
No go or maybe
Feb 11, 2015 12:10AM PST

Since, you mentioned you have a "dead PC" then as already offered to you, your Dell OEM based OS is also dead. You can try to install on another PC but it *may not* actually work well or at all. Its tied to the Dell PC, unless you have another Dell PC and that's also is not a given. If you plan to fix the old Dell PC then install a new HD(alone) then install the OS, OK to do so even if another Dell PC of the same model#, should work too. Alas, you gave no clues to the full details of your PC and OS. This varies alot from OEM to OEM and/or OS too, so its really open in what can be done. Sorry, no tricks just hard earned results fixing OEM systems.

tada -----Willy Happy

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new HD
Feb 11, 2015 3:28AM PST

I ordered a new HD (I was trying to avoid the cost) This is not my PC so I don't know much about the OS or SW installed. In the past when my own PC died and the HD was good, I'd install a new MB, plug in the old HD and off it would go.. Maybe a couple of errors to install different drivers, but always was an easy fix... Then, in comes this Dell, dead MB, (popped caps). I thought I could do the same. Yes, I bought an non Dell MB (basically built a bare bones PC). No go, so now I have an all new PC... Waiting for the new HD so I can get it loaded up.. then I'll install the old HD for backup/ file retrieval.
Thanks for the replies... Always good to know you've taken the best path to a solution!