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Clone HDD to New PC of Exact same model after failure

Anonymous
2019-11-08T04:12:34+00:00

Hi,

I have a HP Z230 (windows 10, probably upgraded from 7 a couple of years ago) that runs some 3rd party software we paid to have setup with small SQL databases behind them. The system runs fine and is more than enough. A real server isn't a possibility at this time. The SSD is cloned every night to another SSD in a USB 3.0 dock. If the original SSD fails then hopefully we can just switch it out for the cloned SSD and boot back up.

Lately I've been wondering what we would do if the motherboard died. Organizing the software providers to re-install and configure our programs on a new box could lead to too much expense and downtime. As a second hand Z230 (Win 10) is relatively cheap I thought I could just buy another one. Then in the event of a failure we can install the cloned SSD into the spare HP Z230 which would hopefully have us back up and running within 10 mins as the drivers would be the same if not very similar.

What problems am I going to face from a Windows activation perspective?

If the spare Z230 with cloned SSD won't activate:

  • If it boots will Windows allow us to log in un-activated for a certain time period and use the machine while we try to organise a replacement?
  • If not, is there any way to activate the machine so I don't have to refresh Windows and reinstall all the software, such as buying a new key? I'm guessing [OEM Win7>Win10>New W10 Retail key] won't work...
Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation

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Anonymous
2019-11-08T04:29:50+00:00

Hi Glass1/2. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Guardian Moderator here to help you.

Windows 10 is remarkably adaptive to new hardware without needing adaptive restore. If it will start it will swap out all drivers requiring several restarts.

The only concern then would be activation. The motherboards must match the hardware ID stored in MS Activation servers as a Digital License, which is also based on the Product Key embedded in the UEFI firmware chip on the motherboard. This would be different for all devices of that same model because they're injected into each PC on the assembly line as a separate key.

So what I would do is wait until the PC dies and if you still value the same install as much, transfer the old PC's clone to a new PC you buy (to get the latest hardware) which already has an embedded license, then run the Activation Troubleshooter to see if it picks up the embedded Product Key. If not read that key by installing ProducKey from http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/produkey-x64.zip and look for the OEM-BIOS key, copy and paste that key (only) into Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key. Once you enter that key it should override the default version key that is used for Digital Licenses and activate as long as it's the same version.

If not then first remove the default Version key by running slmgr -upk from Command prompt, once it confirms it's removed insert the Embedded Key from the new PC and it should activate as the new PC without interference.

If not you have support for getting activated for the first year from the PC maker who must make it work since the license comes with the PC and you're entitled to installing Windows any way you want as long as it's the same version, or contact Microsoft Support phone or chat options here:

https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/....

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you will wait to choose if I solved your problem, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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  1. Greg Carmack 24,770 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2019-11-08T06:04:41+00:00

    I'm glad to help.  

    I'll keep subscribed to this thread so bookmark it to check back with me if there are any follow up questions or needs.

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-11-08T05:52:15+00:00

    That was incredibly informative and concise, thanks for your quick response!

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