Proper upgrade path from HDD -> SSD

authorandrew

web designer-developer
Messages
103
Hello all,
I'm on a Seagate Momentus XT with my current installation of 8.1. This is my second drive, same model, and I've had multiple problems over the past two years, especially with the 'Hard Drive Locked' error -- on both drives. I'm looking to buy an SSD to boost my computer's speed as well as give a clean slate for me to reinstall Windows on and be ready for the Windows 10 upgrade in 2015.

This is the drive I'm looking at, in 128 or 256 gb size (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KFAGCUM/). When it comes, I want to install Windows fresh on it without necessarily wiping the other drive. Once I've installed Windows and transferred my files, I can wipe the other drive. I also would rather not clone the drives since I want a fresh start, only copying over the files that I need.

Now, my hiccup is with licensing. Will Windows allow me to register with my (valid) key if it's still installed on the previous hard drive? As I recall I've had issues with this in the past, namely that the previous hard drive hasn't been "deregistered" so to speak.

Anyways, I'm looking for general advice to make the migration seamless and leave me with a new computer. Thanks!

Andrew
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dm4 3170-se Beats Edition
    CPU
    Intel i5-3210M @ 2.50GHz
    Memory
    12 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 22xi (1920x1080)
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Momentus XT 500gb with 16gb SSD hybrid
    Browser
    Opera 26.0
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