HDD failure new windows 7 ??

Hi
Just a quick query I've just diagnosed my 13 month old laptop with a broken hard drive, no problem I can soon get a new drive but the problem comes with windows 7, I've been informed that I have to buy a new version of windows 7 even though mine was a genuine copy and I have the activation code etc!! All of a sudden it's starting to get a little dear now.
Can anyone shed any light on whether it is the case that I have to purchase a new version?
Gotta admit I liked the older days when we got original discs with computers not just a backed up section of the HDD
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance

 

If the computer is an OEM, you should be able to purchase disks from the manufacturer at a nominal cost. What is the make of the laptop? Is the computer still bootable?

 

Hi thanks for the quick response, the computer is an acer, and unfortunately it won't boot at all I've tested the HDD in another machine and it's exactly the same.

 

Most new PC's prompt you to create "Recovery Media" when the PC is first booted. Essentially that's the same as the discs they used to come with, you just have to make them yourself.

If you or anyone you know purchased a retail copy of Windows 7, that disc will work with the product key on your PC, as long as its the same version of windows as your PC came with. If you don't, you do in-fact have to purchase a new hdd and a copy of Windows 7 (make sure you get the full version ~$200 as the upgrade will not work). At that point my suggestion would be to call the manufacturer and fight for a new preloaded hdd, considering its only 1 month outside of the warranty. No Hdd should fail that quickly, unless its defective or mistreated. A co-worker of mine just had that happen and the manufacturer charged him $50 for hdd with everything preloaded.

 

Last time I tried to buy discs through a manufacturer, they wanted to charge me $100 for just the discs. Just check the price before you agree to purchase it, they like to kindly forget to mention the price.

 

Here is the link for Recovery CD's from ACER. Hopefully your model is included. Can you post back on how much Acer charges. Thanks.

http://us-store.acer.com/rcd/

You should not have to activate as that is included in the OEM Slic Bios.

Edit: I am pretty sure HP charges $20 for their recovery disks, not sure about Acer though. $100 for OEM recovery disks is pretty outrageous.

 

Can I use the US acer site for the recovery disc as I'm based in the UK and not sure if the models etc will be the same? Just googled the uk one but can't find the recovery disk section I'll have a better look later when I'm home

 

IBM Thinkpad, before Lenovo acquired them

 

I was only able to find this link. Try calling the Acer support office in the UK and ask about the recovery media.

http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers/howtotell.html

Edit: Interesting. I found this from the University of Cambridge and the Acer site they linked to is the U.S. store. But, I would call UK support and verify if it is possible to order from the U.S. store.

http://www.ucs.cam.ac.uk/support/winsupuser/recovery