Installing old HDD into new computer

ramjet1121

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I am replacing an office computer with a new HP Pavillion 500-200t (Windows 8) model because of some motherboard problems with the old PC (Windows 7). Rather than reload, restore, and all the other issues with setting up a new computer, I'm leaning toward merely removing the HDD from the old PC and installing into the new PC in place of that HDD. I'm not sure if there are any issues I need to be aware of. It seems too easy, so there must be a catch. I'm not so concerned about Win 7 vs Win 8.

Am I missing something?
 
Solution
I guess I get it, but don't agree with it. Would it not work, or would it be just a matter of running an "illegal" copy of the OS?

All Windows installations require "Activation". Attempting an on-line Activation for a copy of Windows which was previously installed and Activated on another MB will fail, requiring a call to Microsoft to explain the discrepancy. The request for Activation with the new MB may or may not be approved depending upon the discretion of the Microsoft rep who answers the phone.

Yogi
if you want it to be the HDD your OS is installed on? that might be a problem if its OEM windows. If you just want to pop it in there so you can access your files, thats no problem. You will still have a C drive and all that, but as far as documents and files go that wont be a problem. you may find you still need to re install programs though, if the .exe's for your programs are still located on the HDD you can reinstall straight from it.
 
The HDD currently has drivers associated with the old computer. You could have problems finding the correct Win 7 drivers. Just putting it into a new computer may cause some issues related to the drivers and the differences between the 2 computers. It may work, and it may not. You should backup any data just in case it doesn't work. Most people here would recommend a clean install, but sometimes you can get away without it.
 

ramjet1121

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I was afraid it sounded too simple. My intent was for it to be the C: drive and remove the original drive and install in the old computer with the plan being to replace the motherboard at a later date. I do have everything backed up - both with Carbonite for files and Carbonite Mirror Image for drive image. Unfortunately, as I understand it, Mirror Image will only work if I'm trying to reload a new empty drive - not one with a new OS and other bloatware on it. I have ordered PC Mover because I was afraid there was a flaw with my simple minded plan. Oh well, I guess I'll just slog through the migration process with PC Mover, I hope it is as easy as advertised and as some of the reviews I have read say it is.
 

ramjet1121

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Maybe I should have opted for replacing the motherboard, but having never done it before, I was a little intimidated. In theory, I guess, it's not too hard, but it's uncharted territory for me. I have replaced about every oher type of component over the years on different systems, but not a motherboard.
 
I'm not disagreeing with you, but that doesn't make sense to me. What's the connection? I don't understand, but thanks for the info.

When you pay money for Windows, you are not actually "buying" the program, rather you are purchasing a license to use the program as deigned by Microsoft in the agreement furnished with the program. Different versions allow the OS to be used on different numbers of computers. For most ppl buying the most common OEM version of Windows, this is for one computer. According to Microsoft, a different MB is a different computer and requires a different copy of Windows.

Yogi
 

ramjet1121

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I guess I get it, but don't agree with it. Would it not work, or would it be just a matter of running an "illegal" copy of the OS?

All Windows installations require "Activation". Attempting an on-line Activation for a copy of Windows which was previously installed and Activated on another MB will fail, requiring a call to Microsoft to explain the discrepancy. The request for Activation with the new MB may or may not be approved depending upon the discretion of the Microsoft rep who answers the phone.

Yogi
 
Solution
Just be honest and polite and you may get lucky. Let them know maybe you cant afford a new windows license and you wont be using the old computer anymore (transferred rather than extended copy) you can not have it activated on both PC's they will see that.