How do I reinstall Windows 7 on the same hard drive?

ikhidzr

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Jul 16, 2013
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Hi all, knowing that by changing to a new motherboard, CPU and GPU altogether we have to reinstall W7 right? (I've asked some PC shop around some say you have, some say W7 will detect hardware change and do its own bla3) if it does reinstall, Im using the same HDD which is 500GB that has windows 7 ultimate in it already, so if i boot up the pc how will i know it needs reinstallation? And does it eat more space or just reinstall and overwrites the previous files in the HDD? Or is it just better to just reformat the damned thing? Thanks!
 
Solution
Won't work different chipset drivers are needed.
Clean install is needed.


Windows7-2.jpg



OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system


Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes...

thewisdomp

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Jul 18, 2013
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Its possible it will detect your hardware. Just right click My Computer, click properties, and that should show your hardware. If it doesn't detect it and you do a re-install. I would suggest "zero" the hard drive, not just reformatting it. Although zeroing takes a bit longer, it ensures the hard drive has deleted EVERY file and it will be just like it came out of the box.
 

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
Won't work different chipset drivers are needed.
Clean install is needed.


Windows7-2.jpg



OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system


Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com


Windows8-1_zps0f2f36f7.png



Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
 
Solution

ikhidzr

Honorable
Jul 16, 2013
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Let me get this straight.. Since I know nothing abt this and this is my first time upgrading the hardware for my PC, you're saying that I can just turn on the PC and it'll enter Windows like normal? No weird/crazy/freaky BIOS or anything that demands you to reinstall? Or blue screen stop errors? Thanks!
 

ikhidzr

Honorable
Jul 16, 2013
21
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If so, Must I reformat the HDD? Or is it possible to reinstall on the same HDD w/o eating more space(like overwriting the previous windows installed files)?
Mine is a retail too.
 

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
To install Windows 7 using the Custom option and formatting the hard disk

To format your hard disk during Windows 7 installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.

Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer.

Restart your computer.

Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.

On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.

If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.

On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.

On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.

On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Drive options (advanced).

Click the partition that you want to change, click the formatting option you want to perform, and then follow the instructions.

When you've finished formatting, click Next.

Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.


http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/installing-and-reinstalling-windows-7
 

ikhidzr

Honorable
Jul 16, 2013
21
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Im able to do this w the new specs installed in the pc? I just sent my pc few days back to the shop to replace my Asus mobo+AMD A6+hd 6750 to a gigabyte mobo+intel i5 3470+hd7770 vapor x. The hdd stays the same. If i try to boot up w the new specs what happens actually? It goes into bios or some crazy thing of just boot up windows normally tho?