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Old HDD w/ Windows 7 Installed for new build with similar (older) components

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  • Windows 7
  • Computers
  • Storage
  • Hard Drives
  • Components
Last response: in Storage
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November 16, 2013 6:38:08 PM

I have an old HDD w/ Windows 7 that I replaced in my primary computer. I'm building a secondary computer with some new components and some old components. Here's a comparison of parts:

GPU, PSU, Optical Drives, peripherils--All were used on the HDD in question

HDD associated motherboard=Asus m5a99x EVO r2.0 . . . will be using an Asus m5a97 LE r2.0

Hdd associated CPU=AMD FX-8150 . . . will be using AMD FX-4300

HDD associated RAM=Patriot Intel Extreme Masters (2x4 GB) . . .will be using Patriot Viper 3 (2x4)

Will I be able to plug it in, and change to the appropriate drivers? Or do I need to reformat and do a fresh install of Windows? I really don't want to have to pay for a new windows . . . >.<

More about : hdd windows installed build similar older components

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a c 633 $ Windows 7
a c 921 G Storage
November 16, 2013 6:43:43 PM

This all depends on whether the original OS is OEM or not.

In any case, with that much parts change...a fresh install is recommended.
It might work, or it might not. No way to tell until you try it.

But if it is an OEM version...you will need a new one.
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a b G Storage
November 16, 2013 6:45:14 PM

More than likely you will have to reinstall windows as the drivers will be wrong for the new system. You might be able to do a repair on it or maybe go into safe mode and delete old drivers but not always.

Try it and see.
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a b $ Windows 7
a c 265 G Storage
November 16, 2013 6:45:17 PM

Should work just as long as you repair and install drivers. Just bare in mind your windows license is only for one computer at a time and with activation only one will work.
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November 16, 2013 6:49:25 PM

USAFRet,

Thanks for the quick response, man! It is OEM unfortunately. Does that mean I'll need to buy a new windows 7 copy? Or just re-install with the same disk, and enter the corresponding code?
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a c 633 $ Windows 7
a c 921 G Storage
November 16, 2013 6:57:54 PM

Magiconkie0_Helmet said:
USAFRet,

Thanks for the quick response, man! It is OEM unfortunately. Does that mean I'll need to buy a new windows 7 copy? Or just re-install with the same disk, and enter the corresponding code?


Since you are using a new motherboard and other parts....a new OS is indicated. That OS key you have is tied to that original motherboard.
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November 16, 2013 6:59:05 PM

Thanks for the quick responses guys, I really appreciate it. I think I might actually end back the CPU to get an FX-6300 (only 10 bucks more), so I'll have to wait to try it out till the new CPU gets here.

You think I can boot from a formatted USB with the proper drivers on it, install them, and then delete the ones I don't want?
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