Can i copy windows 8 from one hard drive to another with linux

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tomosh22

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I'm going to build a computer in a few days and i don't want to have to pay for windows when i already have it on my laptop. So, on my laptop i have a Linux partition and i can access the file system of the windows partition. This got me thinking, if when i build the computer, i install Linux on the new HDD, make a blank partition, plug in my old HDD, and copy everything from the old HDD onto the blank partition, would i be able to boot into the partition and have windows running?

PS: i know there are other tools that can make a full copy of a hard drive, but most of them are either expensive, or have bugs. Also please don't suggest pirating windows.
 
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Wolfshadw

Wolfshadw

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No, you cannot transfer your Windows 8 license from your laptop to your personal computer. As I understand the license agreement, the Personal Use Agreement only applies to systems you build with an OEM version of Windows 8. Since your Windows 8 license came with your laptop, it can only be used on that laptop.

-Wolf sends
 
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tomosh22

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Are you saying that it can be done but its illegal, or are you saying that it actually wont work?
 
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Wolfshadw

Wolfshadw

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I'm saying I believe what you're attempting to do is probably illegal. Taking a wild stab, I'll say it wouldn't work because laptop manufacturers tend not to include a full OS version CD/DVD. What they include is a recovery disk which accesses a partition on your hard drive which is looking for your laptop's hardware specifications. Not finding them in your new PC, the recovery disk would likely fail trying to install.

-Wolf sends
 
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mc962

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I feel like there is something to do with transferring licenses from one computer to another. But of course that would deactivate it on your old computer, and in any case would probably require a call to windows.

However, as said above I believe laptop OS work differently, so I doubt you can transfer it.

Chances are you will need to buy more windows
 
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tomosh22

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OK so it looks like copying everything wont work. It probably wont work but can I just take the HDD out of my laptop and put it in my Dekstop
Also I built a PC for my grandparents a few months back and I did buy the builders version of windows 7, so could I borrow their HDD, and do what I intended to do with my laptops HDD.
 
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