On Thursday, July 4, 2019 at 2:03:41 AM UTC-7, Robert in CA wrote:
On Thursday, July 4, 2019 at 1:04:51 AM UTC-7, Paul wrote:
Robert in CA wrote:

Just one question before we start,. does
the drive were going to be using have to
be formatted? I have spare formatted drives
for the 8500 and 780 and a spare un-formatted
drive that's never been out of the box which
is the one I was going to use for this.

However if it has to be formatted we would
have to clone it wouldn't we before starting
to get the Win 10 key?

Robert

If the XPS 8500 has a 25-character license key on it

VVVVV-WWWWW-XXXXX-YYYYY-ZZZZZ

you can start with a completely empty spare drive
and install to it.

When prompted for the key, type in the license key
(which is separated into five, five character chunks).

If the key is accepted, then carry on with the installation.

*******

The 780, I don't know if that will have a key on the COA.
The Refurbisher version of Windows 7 Pro, I don't really
know what amenities are included with that.

If there is no key, you can try cloning the original
drive, over top of the spare (thus erasing whatever
was on the spare). Then, you'll be starting with the
Win7 SP1 x64 that was on the 780, as your base.

When it asks for the key, you say "I don't have a key",
and continue with the install.

If later, it says it is activated, then the job is done
for that one.

*******

The XPS 8500 might be the easiest one to test.

Paul



The 8500 has a product key the 780 has one
but it written no longer valid and below that
is a GLF sticker with a product key.

Robert

So we can disconnect the main HD and use the
secondary cable connections for the empty HD
and then use the license key from the 8500 to
install it and will follow your instructions
from there.

Whenever you wish to start,.... I'll install
the empty HD and disconnect the main HD etc.
btw,.. how long will this take?

Thanks
Robert