I am trying to replace a failing hard drive on an older Dell desktop running Windows 7 Home Premium. The problem is it came with the OS pre-installed from Dell and there are no Disks with it. I thought I could use the key from the sticker to download a ISO from Microsoft. However, since the copy of Windows is OEM Microsoft said I have to go thru Dell. I contacted Dell and they said they no longer are allowed by Microsoft to support Windows 7.
I have two questions:
- Is there any other safe and legal way to get an ISO file?
- Would it work just as well to use a program to clone the failing drive and if so, what program is best to do that?
I'm also open to any other (better) suggestions. I'm just now studying for my A+ and I don't have a ton of experience so I may be overlooking something obvious or may not be going about this in the best way. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated.