But I do agree with u/whatdidshedo that you should just get a USB hard driver adapter like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Sabrent-2-5-Inch-Enclosure-EC-UM30/dp/B00MQ97QGE/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1460239107&sr=8-12&keywords=2.5+inch+to+usb
There's a five year limited warranty on the device from the manufacturer so I don't think the two year plan is necessary, from my experience.
Curious, are you opting for the clean install? Or time machine restore? Also this may be a good enclosure for your old drive
[Upgraded Version Support UASP] Sabrent Ultra Slim USB 3.0 to 2.5-Inch SATA External Aluminum Hard Drive Enclosure [Silver Aluminum Finish] (EC-UM30) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQ97QGE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_TzaUwbG0AVEMV
That's not way cheaper. Here is a USB 3 enclosure for the same price. Those cables are just not really useful anymore, at least for laptop drives; an enclosure means you can treat it just like an external hard drive.
Reformatting and reinstalling windows is the best way make your computer run like new again. And if you're upgrading to an SSD it will run much, much better. You can definitely use your old HDD as an external hard drive with one of these.
About your license key, you shouldn't have any trouble reusing your product key as long as you are using the same version of Windows (i.e., Home Premium), but don't take my word for it.
Some advice before you proceed:
Download important drivers right now in case they aren't installed by the Windows installation disk. The most important one is your wired/wireless network driver which will allow you to install everything else after you've reinstalled Windows.
If you can, physically open up your laptop and use canned air to clean the interior components. This is a simple yet important thing you can do to make your laptop last a long time.
Used this enclosure and had no problems. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQ97QGE
Some 500gb SSD's are under $50 on Amazon.
Yes. I literally just bought it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MQ97QGE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MQ97QGE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I can start to see your name on this machine...