New parts for old computer

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Bahena2

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Jul 3, 2013
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So I was wondering if I can use an Old Hard Drive for a new Motherboard, CPU and Ram.
I just finished buying my CPU And Motherboard so everything is ready to be put together except I don't have money at the moment to buy Windows 7 for my new Hard Drive so I was wondering if I can just use my old hard drive that has Windows Vista 32bit on it, I don't care about any of the files I just want an OS so I can start using new build already, sorry if I couldn't explain correctly, any help is much appreciated :wahoo:
 
Solution
kenrivers
If Vista came preinstalled on the old computer's HDD then the answer is no because it would more than likely be an OEM version and would be tied to the original hardware. If it was a retail version and you have the discs then you shouldn't have a problem doing a clean install and reactivating Vista. However, you will need to install the Vista drivers for the new motherboard.
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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You are unlikely to be able to boot vista or any os with the hard drive if the os was installed for a different motherboard.
The drivers will be incompatible.

If you have a vista install dvd, then you can use that to do a clean install to the hard drive.
If that copy of vista in installed nowhere else, you should be able to activate.
 
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kenrivers

kenrivers

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Dec 29, 2010
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If Vista came preinstalled on the old computer's HDD then the answer is no because it would more than likely be an OEM version and would be tied to the original hardware. If it was a retail version and you have the discs then you shouldn't have a problem doing a clean install and reactivating Vista. However, you will need to install the Vista drivers for the new motherboard.
 
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tehpwnz

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Apr 17, 2014
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To answer your question, yes, you can hook up an old drive to a newer board. But like these guys are saying, you're probably going to have to re-install windows.
 
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Bahena2

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Jul 3, 2013
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Well thanks for the answer, really appreciate it!:)
Looks like I'm going to have to wait another month to get Windows 7
bummer :(
 
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kenrivers

kenrivers

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You're welcome but sorry you have to wait.
 
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Bahena2

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Jul 3, 2013
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So I would have to get this correct?
http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-System-Builder-Packaging/dp/B00H09BB16/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400212252&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+7+64+bit
 
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kenrivers

kenrivers

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You certainly could. It is an OEM version which means it will be tied to the hardware it is installed on. That doesn't absolutely mean you won't be able to use it again on the same computer if you change out the motherboard in the future. You would just have to have it reactivated which is usually just a phone call to an automated system. Just out of curiosity how much RAM are you installing on the computer? Disregard that question, I just noticed you were looking at the 64 bit version.
 
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Bahena2

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I have a very weak PC atm which is why im upgrading I have 4GB installed but only 3GB could be used so yeah I'm trying to get 8 obviously then with all these new shiny parts :D
 
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kenrivers

kenrivers

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Understandable and I hope you are able to get the OS soon so you can test your build.
 
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Bahena2

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Hopefully it even works its pratically a whole new computer :ouch:
 
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kenrivers

kenrivers

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I hope it all goes well. I understand the feeling of having a newly built computer, especially one you built yourself.
 
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Bahena2

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Yeah from what I've looked up researched and all that good stuff everything should go together alright
 
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