submitted 11 months ago by LoganNineFingers@lemmy.ca to c/piracy@lemmy.dbzer0.com

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I bought a computer off Kijiji that was from someone who builds them for cheap. I bought it for a plex server.

I recently did a hard drive check, and the hd is getting spotty.

I did a check for windows license and it says it's "retail" with a partial key. I was thinking of buying a new SSD to put in but how do I get a windows key now?

I'm somewhat computer minded but this one I've never dealt with. (I also have no interest in installing Linux right now)

Thanks!

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[-] bobsuruncle@lemmy.world 3 points 11 months ago

If the license is registered to that system changing the hard drive and reinstalling the SAME version of windows won’t be an issue. MS saves your system’s “fingerprint” and as long as you don’t change too many parts, it will recognize it and attach the license back to it.

If you do lose the license on reinstall, there are site that will sell you a cheap license, buyer beware, or ultimately you could switch over to something like truenas (core or scale) to run plex which is license free.