Computer froze up.

[DR M]

Forgive the interruption ... if you don't know the Windows key, Belarc Advisor will display it for you: https://www.landzdown.com/index.php?topic=56410.0

No interruption at all, and I'm glad you are here with us.
Please feel free to "interrupt" at any step of the procedure. :)

[ron350]

If Macrium Reflect Disk Imaging and Backup works with a SSD why can't i do the same thing with this new WD HD i already have?

This is a rebuilt computer so i don't have any key sticker on the computer.

[DR M]

Windows system didn't find corruptions earlier, and this is the most important thing. However, my personal opinion when we have to do with a disk like yours, is to create a fresh start. If you would like to make an image using Macrium, is fine.

As Winchester73 pointed out above, you can retrieve the activation code using Belarc Advisor.

[ron350]

 Ok how do i use Belarc Advisor to get a key?

[winchester73]

Ok how do i use Belarc Advisor to get a key?

https://www.landzdown.com/index.php?topic=56410.msg207558#msg207558

Click on the link in this post, it takes you to the direct download.  Save/install to your desktop.  Run Belarc, the keys for software are displayed towards the bottom of page 1.

[ron350]

 Why does Belarc Advisor want my name, email, and company name?

[Corrine]

Merely because it gives you the option to use it for free.  The Company name blank doesn't have an asterisk so isn't required. As explained in one of the many articles about the program:

Is Belarc Advisor safe?
Yes, Belarc Advisor is safe to download and install. Your PC privacy is protected because the tool doesn't upload any information about your computer to its or anyone else's servers when performing the PC audit. Instead, it creates a local web page that's only available to you.

[winchester73]

Did you click on that link in the Belarc post I last referenced?

I just did, and it didn't ask for anything ... it is a direct link to the installer.

I suspect you clicked on the link in the first post in the thread.

[Corrine]

Yes, Ron.  What you posted is the key.  I've deleted your post though so that a bot won't pick up the key and use it before you've finished the process.

[ron350]

 Thank you Corrine.
 Thank for the help Winchester73 everything worked with no problems.

 Yeah i have the magic key.

[ron350]

 DR M i read one of your posts wrong, my vision is like my memory bad.

 I think this link you posted came out scrambled?

 I would not recommend you to clone the old disk and go for a fresh install, using a Windows Installation Media. Here you can read how to create it: https://www.microsoft.com/el-gr/software-download/windows10

[ron350]

 DR M i was reading about installing a new version of Win 10 in your link https://www.microsoft.com/el-gr/software-download/windows10

  It would be nice to start over with a fresh version of Win 10 but this old computer came with Win 10 Pro.

  Would this newly found key only work with Win 10 Pro?

[DR M]

Hi, Ron.

I sent you the link in Greek. This is the link in English: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

When you create the tool, you will select the option which takes in consideration the current computer. So, if the computer is running Windows 10 Pro, the tool will be for the specific computer and install Windows 10 Pro.

Let's now see the instructions step by step. Make sure you saved all your personal files and data in an external disk.

1. Prepare a bootable USB drive with Windows 10

Use the link above to do this.


2. Make your computer boot from USB drive

You have to change boot order, so when the time comes, the computer will boot from the USB drive, installing Windows from scratch.

This link maybe helpful: https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Computer-BIOS-Settings


3. Replace the disk

The video here, although is about replacing the HDD with an SSD, is helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTl1-4wZxoE


4. Reinstall Windows 10

Insert the USB drive to the computer and restart.

Follow the instructions here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/all/how-to-perform-a-clean-install-or-reinstall-of/aef0ae63-2117-41ee-a8ea-4a3181625b08


Let us know if you have any question about the procedure.

[ron350]

Thanks DR M

 I have printed the instructions in those links and will study them.

 My pictures are backed up on a Lexar 16GB jumpdrive and have another for the Win 10 download.

[DR M]

Ron, feel free to ask any question during the procedure.

Have in mind, however, that my time zone is CEST +1. 🙂