Reinstall Vista on new hard drive

My nepwhew has a HP G70 notebook. The HDD has given up completely, clicking noise. Tried freezing it but no success.

The system ran Vista Home Premium 32-bit. No OS disk was provided and he did not create a set of recovery disks. He did not take any backups and the label with the Product Key on the bottom of the laptop has worn away so the Product Key is not known.

I have obtained a new HDD and need to reinstall OS for him. Is this possible without disk or Product Key. I obtained a OEM Vista Disk from a relative but he is from Holland and instructions are all in Dutch which I do not understand.
I also have a HP G7000 laptop which also runs Vista Home Premium. I have created recovery discs but need to find them.

Based on the above information is it possible for me to get Vista back up and running or will I need to purchase a new OS?

 

There should be a Vista license on the bottom of his G70.

You can buy a Vista anytime disk on eBay for $10-$15. You just have to download the drivers from HP.com.

 

The only thing I can think of is try using vlite and that should allow you to change the language (i think), and re-burn the cd (along with adding in any vista service packs, fixes, etc..). But if his product key is worn off then you are still out of luck and won't be able to activate vista. The problem is not having the CD, its owning a legit product key (COA) to use with your install.
In the end you might just do what Mr.Mischief said and buy one from ebay, or vist a local PC store and see if they can help you.
I have found that the small pc repair shops are pretty helpful.

Another option if money is an issue, install one of free linux distributions and use that!

 

Thanks, guys. Unfortunately, as I said, the label underneath is worn and Product Key illegible. I just feel that, as he has already paid for a licence to use Vista on the G70, he shouldn't have to do so again just because Microsoft/HP won't reissue the Product Key. HP must know what Key is associated with a particular computer. It seems they want to make it impossible to use the OS not only on a machine for which it has not been purchased (no issue with that) but also on a machine for which it has been purchased.

The big guys always win.

 

You can just buy a set of recovery DVD's for $20. You won't need to enter a key, just make sure you get them from HP for the G70. You might have to call HP to get them.