Grandson's Acer Aspire Laptop was dropped.

[AJ]

In win 7 the motherboard contains all OS info.

Nope, I don't think so.
If it works that way let us know.

Maybe the new HD has pre-installed win7?

Nope, I don't think so.

I hate to be a dream killer JW, but I just don't think it works that way, sorry.

You could run Linux for free.

Not a bad idea. The kid may end up liking it better then win7 too.

[tgoods]

If that's a netbook, it probably has win7 starter edition (blech!). If you can get a win7 disk, copy it as an ISO file to the usb drive.  Boot it up and try a repair. If that doesn't work you can try reinstalling win7.  You will need your key code or a pirate copy. Of course, none of this will work if your harddrive is really dead.

[AJ]

Check the price of a new netbook too before you stick to much into it.
Seems I have seen some at walmart and targets on clearance for $199.99

I bought a macbook about two years ago and never looked back.
The only time I mess around with windows is when relatives call with problems.

Just picked up my mother in-laws win xp computer last weekend that I need to look at.

[AJ]

You could run Linux for free.  I recommend Linux Mint.  Load it onto a usb drive.  You may have to log into the bios to enable booting from the usb.  When you first boot up, don't install. You can just run Linux Mint from the usb drive.   Try to mount the C: drive.  Save any files you need. Once you have everything backed up, install Linux Mint onto your harddrive.

You a Linux man?

[tgoods]

I used to dual boot Ubuntu with XP. mostly using Ubuntu.  Then Win7 came along.  I have a couple of virtual machines running Ubuntu and Mint but mostly use Win7.  I have an old Dell laptop that runs Mint so my son can play Minecraft on it.

[AJ]

JW, what ever happen with this computer?

[JWWebster]

It is collecting dust on the coffee table while I contemplate my next move. LOL

[AJ]

If you get tired of looking at it feel free to send it my way and I'll have a whack at it.

[JWWebster]

Sounds lika a plan but I gotta get everybody on board with it first.

[AJ]

No problem. If I can get it working I will just send it back to you as I have no need for another computer.