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Windows fresh install failure after SSD replacment - please help

Artpelc
Level 7
I decided to upgrade (replace existing HDD with SSD (Plextor M5S) as a system disk and add extra RAM) my G75 VX - preinstalled Windows 8, OEM, Build 9200 (bought as a refurbished item). I read many post in this forum and watch some video on YT. As I have no system CD with the asus so I made a recovery USB disk (pendrive 16 GB) with the use Asus Backtracker application. After doing a hardware job I recovered Windows from the USB and than installed the HDD in the second slot. It works well but then I've done some foolish step that is to upgrade Windows to 8.1(via network). After hours of instalation I found out that SSD is divided in the strange volumes that I don't like so it made me to bring back primary version of Windows (once again recover Win 8 from USB recovery disk created with Backtracker app). But that time I found out with a great despair that didn't work - after processing approx. one third of the operation (indication on the status bar) the the asus recover app monit appeared that it "canon't read the USB disk". I tried many times but the result was still the same so i thougt that the USB (Kingston Microduo 16 GB) might have not be enough quality for the operation like this. So I have tried to clone this USB to another new pendrive but unfortunatelly during this (probably due to some mistake with a cloning software) I damaged the Kingston USB - after this when I trying to reboot my G75 from USB BIOS is displaying a prompt "Invalid sinature detected. Check secure Boot Policy".
Before SSD replacement I' ve done also a recovery system disk with a Rufus app (on the another pendrive) but after booting from it I'm prompting to input Windows Product Key. I have no Windows sticker on my Asus case and the CD Key I've extracted from the my Asus (with some free app I found on the net) is not accepted by the Windows (prompt "wrong product key").
IS anybody can give me a hint what should I do to be able to use my G75 and not to buy new Windows ?
Sorry for my colloquial language but my English is far from fluency and my literacy with PC OS is less than moderate.
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10 REPLIES 10

Clintlgm
Level 14
yes download a ISO for Windows7 Home Premium Clean install use the Product key on the bottom of the notebook. Download all the drivers you need from Asus Support Downloads Lot of information here Pay attention and install UEFI You'll have to buy a win 7 key if the dealer that sold you the notebook didn't give you a win 7 key .
You could try to use Macrium Reflect to clone the hard driver to the SSD Be sure to after the clone shut down and remove your hard drive and force the SSD to boot. Then connect you hard drive VIA USB and format it to remove all boot files.
G752VY-DH72 Win 10 Pro
512 GB M.2 Samsung 960 Pro
1 TB Samsung 850 pro 2.5 format
980m GTX 4 GB
32GB DDR 4 Standard RAM

Z97 PRO WiFi I7 4790K
Windows 10 Pro
Z97 -A
Windows 10 Pro

Thanks very much for quick replay... the problem is that there is no Microsoft sticker with a Product key on the bottom ... and due to procedure I described above, as I guess, I erased the content of the HDD with the pre-installed, by manufacturer, Windows 8 but may be I should try to restore it with the Macrium Reflect soft as You suggest ? do you know the effective way of veryfing the CD Key I've extracted from the my Asus?

Clintlgm
Level 14
Without a windows 7 product key you won't be able to install windows 7, If your notebook came from the factory with windows 8 the key for windows 8 will be embedded on your motherboard. Should that be the case I would download window 8.1 Core ISO, if the key is imbedded the install will find it.http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
G752VY-DH72 Win 10 Pro
512 GB M.2 Samsung 960 Pro
1 TB Samsung 850 pro 2.5 format
980m GTX 4 GB
32GB DDR 4 Standard RAM

Z97 PRO WiFi I7 4790K
Windows 10 Pro
Z97 -A
Windows 10 Pro

Thank you for advice ...that was was my case (my laptop had windows 8 embeded on his motherboard) so I download an ISO (Win 8.1 Core ISO) from Microsoft page (as above) on USB drive (16 GB) then formated (erased) my SSD, opened the laptop phisically removed HDD from left slot and than installed a system from USB with ISO on SSD. It works (I've got system on SSD with one partition) and preparing to activate Windows by phone when I entered the CD Key (I've extracted from the my Asus) it refused to activate (error code 0xc004c008 ) "product Key is used on another computer"...

Have a look over here http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/?filter[2]=Installation%20and%20Setup if the key is embedded you shouldn't need to type it in at all it will just automatically activate once you are on line. You could have one of the last sold with win 7 or ASUS may have upgraded from 7 to 8 before selling if that is the case I have no Idea how you will install with out a good product Key. Asus Support should be able to tell you from the serial number what system if shipped with. http://support.asus.com/download/options.aspx?SLanguage=en&type=1
G752VY-DH72 Win 10 Pro
512 GB M.2 Samsung 960 Pro
1 TB Samsung 850 pro 2.5 format
980m GTX 4 GB
32GB DDR 4 Standard RAM

Z97 PRO WiFi I7 4790K
Windows 10 Pro
Z97 -A
Windows 10 Pro

Thanks for the replay ... and new links ... I think I should spend some time on reading and getting more familiar with Windows 8. .. fortunatelly I've managed to activate Windows by phone today (via contact with Microsoft service center operator .... not by automated service) I told them I replaced the HDD :-). So my goal of hardware improvement is almost reached - the system booting time is really fast . But not all went good ... I can't install the old HDD (as a storage disk) the Windows don't see it ... maybe (although I tried to be carefull) I damaged a connection pins in left disk bay / slot in my laptop (as I checked this HDD on external device and even formatted it then - it looks OK) ? Beside it seems to me that not all function key are now working properly (for example keybord lighting) ... maybe I should install a drivers from some ASUS source ?

Yes the ATK driver package is important.
G752VY-DH72 Win 10 Pro
512 GB M.2 Samsung 960 Pro
1 TB Samsung 850 pro 2.5 format
980m GTX 4 GB
32GB DDR 4 Standard RAM

Z97 PRO WiFi I7 4790K
Windows 10 Pro
Z97 -A
Windows 10 Pro

Hurray.. that was the remedy .... after installing the ATK package I can see the other disk and function / hotkeys are working as the should .... thanks very much again ... I'm very grateful ....I've owe you a big beer or polish vodka

I'll take the Polish Vodka LOL
G752VY-DH72 Win 10 Pro
512 GB M.2 Samsung 960 Pro
1 TB Samsung 850 pro 2.5 format
980m GTX 4 GB
32GB DDR 4 Standard RAM

Z97 PRO WiFi I7 4790K
Windows 10 Pro
Z97 -A
Windows 10 Pro