I'm installing a new hard drive on my computer, can I install this OS from scratch?
2078653
Yes, you can. If you want to have a look and feel of Windows 7 (no touch screen), there is a free shell you can download that gives you this option.
2078654
Yes. However, until the start menu returns to Windows 8.1 and Windows Media Center comes with the operating system, many believe it is better to use Windows 7. However, if you don't need Windows Media Center, then you can install Classic Shell or a similar program and have a serviceable operating system with Windows 8.1
736710
Thanks Terence!This is exactly the info I was looking for! One more question, do you know if the copy of Windows 7 that is factory-installed comes already activated or do you have to activate it on first-boot? If I am to replace the hard drive with a new one (that being the only change) I don't want to face potential activation lock-out because Microsoft thinks I'm trying to install it on an entirely different machine.
135763
these things work just like a spindle style hard drive. Just plug it up and install os....
870469
I haven't done it yet but see no reason that wouldn't allow you to. I plan to add more ram to the one I own. As for upgrading the OS that shouldn't be any issue either.
89224
No it comes empty you need to install OS yourself.Also comes with no Hard disk you have to buy that separately.
1658442
Yes, typically when installing a new operating system a clean install is recommended. Just backup all your important files/docs before because a clean install will of course clean your hard drive of all files!
1713570
It is recommended but you can use the free clone software the WD offers to clone OS to new hard drive. Just keep in mind it is only 115 GB at first you can use
1378617
This particular model came with no hard drive and I ended up purchasing a Western Digital 500 gigabyte hard drive and install it myself - very easy to do. Itended up being cheaper to do it this way than to purchase it with the hard drive already installed.
1683470
I already have linux installed on my pc, I'd add this drive and install win on it. How do I go to make sure boot OSes boot properly?
988940
It should function just as the internal one with the same software, either native Win7 or whatever software you use to read/write. Just select the new drive from Explorer.
1546699
if you have the bootable installation disk or USB, there'll be a prompt that will ask you: install the OS, restore from Time machine or enter Disk utility. Good luck!
1094987
Yes, but you'll need a computer to go along with it. I'm guessing you're probably a more casual user, so I'd recommend having a technically inclined friend or computer repair specialist help with the install.
542383
Sorry, no. It's rare nowadays for any supplier to provide installation media. They almost always do, however, create a small protected partition on the hard-drive which the operating system can use to restore the computer to it's "as-delivered" condition in the event of a "hard fault" failure to start. The best thing you can do yourself is create an image of your system on an external storage drive as it is when you are satisfied with it. That way you can restore it to the original drive, or to a newer/faster/bigger or solid state drive when you want better performance or more storage space. Sorry, no. It's rare nowadays for any supplier to provide installation media. They almost always do, however, create a small protected partition on the hard-drive which the operating system can use to restore the computer to it's "as-delivered" condition in the event of a "hard fault" failure to start. The best thing you can do yourself is create an image of your system on an external storage drive as it is when you are satisfied with it. That way you can restore it to the original drive, or to a newer/faster/bigger or solid state drive when you want better performance... » Read More Sorry, no. It's rare nowadays for any supplier to provide installation media. They almost always do, however, create a small protected partition on the hard-drive which the operating system can use to restore the computer to it's "as-delivered" condition in the event of a "hard fault" failure to start. The best thing you can do yourself is create an image of your system on an external storage drive as it is when you are satisfied with it. That way you can restore it to the original drive, or to a newer/faster/bigger or solid state drive when you want better performance or more storage space. « Show Less
2008032
no, the drive is totally empty- I believe it's illegal to sell a hard drive with a licensed OS already on it, by an unlicensed vendor. You will need your own OS discs to load onto it.
788305
It would have been helpful if you had described what you intend to do. Clone what, exactly, would be a good start. And do you have any extra hardware available, such as an unused HDD that could be used for temporary storage?
1038705
Yes. I am running my OS on this drive. I had to switch to legacy boot mode to get it to work.
1549637
No, you would never expect to have anything pre-installed on a bare drive like this. Formatted maybe, but usually not. Completely empty.