Moving a HDD from one computer to another

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
M

matherem

Honorable
Dec 30, 2013
8
0
10,510
I'm currently using a prebuilt PC from Best Buy, now it's not too old, only about a year but I decided I wanted to build my own PC.
I'm using an SATA HDD and I want to move it from the prebuilt PC to my custom PC, I know I'll need to install all the drivers for my new parts but is it still possible or will there be too many conflicts and the system won't work?
The main problem is I can't really afford a copy of Windows so I'm hoping I can use this HDD that has Windows on it to save the money and all my information.
 
Solution
groundrat
This is a grey area. You have a authentic copy of Windows. You want to keep using it. But MS has this thing about transferring your license to another machine... IE, the don't want to. It might work. It might not. But I don't think the forum rules would bend enough for me to educate you on the ins and outs of fooling the authentication subroutines, as that can lead to fraud.

Try calling MS and ask them very nicely to let you move the license over, as your old computer no longer functions.
Sort by date Sort by votes
groundrat

groundrat

Distinguished
Dec 11, 2012
952
0
19,160
This is a grey area. You have a authentic copy of Windows. You want to keep using it. But MS has this thing about transferring your license to another machine... IE, the don't want to. It might work. It might not. But I don't think the forum rules would bend enough for me to educate you on the ins and outs of fooling the authentication subroutines, as that can lead to fraud.

Try calling MS and ask them very nicely to let you move the license over, as your old computer no longer functions.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
M

matherem

Honorable
Dec 30, 2013
8
0
10,510


Is it still considered a new system even if it's still on the same hard drive? Wouldn't it be just the same if I was upgrading all the parts one at a time, the basic info is still there but it's just new components.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
A

aldan

Splendid
Apr 15, 2013
4,002
29
24,640
if its a retail version of windows you should be able to reinstall the os.what i am saying is you cant swap an old hard drive with the os and make it work on your new machine.just too many variables here.look for your product key for your windows and reinstall on your new machine (clean install). since i would bet money your original idea wont work,i would have no problem reinstalling windows and trying my original product key.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
groundrat

groundrat

Distinguished
Dec 11, 2012
952
0
19,160


Ideally, yes it would. But MS can get buggy about that. They like money and they already HAVE yours.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom