Desktops & All-In-Ones

[jdeecker]

I have a Acer desktop Aspire M5811 that is out of warranty The hard drive failed and I replaced it. I used Acronis software to clone the old drive to the new drive. It executed fine and almost all software works .. except a number of functions in Windows 7 (like updates and copy from Internet Explorer do not .. and I get error messages stating windows 7 is not a “genuine copy” .. the current activation code is ****** Microsoft has been no help as they say “Buy” a new copy / activation key or contact Acer for help, or reinstall from original factory info and all the programs. Files data etc since the beginning. That would take a rather long time as I have many programs to do. It seems I need a new activation code from Acer and instructions how to apply it .. the computer information page states the product is activated and provides no method to change the code. I am out of warranty so Acer says go to the community forums etc .. I hope you can help or else I’m in for a long week of reinstalling.. John

[edited for privacy]

[Acer-Tommy]

Acer does not provide "new activation codes". 

You need to reinstall the operating system from the recovery media you created when you first received the system.

Please review this article:
Reloading your Acer Computer

[jdeecker]

 No activation codes provided ... so when the C hard drive fails ...  what is the recommended procedure for migrating the system and programs to new hard drive .. without having completely reloading and reinstalling 50+ programs and hardware that have been installed since the machine was purchased 3 years ago.

Is their a way the ACER recovery system(s) can do this?  Or maybe a third party program?  

[Acer-Tommy]

Windows Easy Transfer is one program from Microsoft specifically designed to do this.

  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer

"When you're switching to a new PC, Windows Easy Transfer helps you transfer your files, email, pictures, and settings. In Windows 7, it lives up to the "easy" in its name."