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Backing up windows 7

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  • Windows 7
  • CD-Rom
Last response: in Windows 7
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June 14, 2014 4:45:13 PM

I don't believe my E-Machines came with a windows 7 CD ( it was pre-installed). The thing is, I built a new computer and the only old parts I have will be the RAM and the HDD. will a system image work since I installed the HDD into the new desktop? I tried just putting the HDD into the desktop but when I boot it up, it keeps resettings.

More about : backing windows

a b $ Windows 7
June 14, 2014 4:50:49 PM

No you need to re-install a fresh copy of a windows. Your HDD has all the drivers and stuff for the hardware in the E-machines PC - and not the new hardware.
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a b $ Windows 7
June 14, 2014 4:51:07 PM

No. The drivers for the old motherboard will not be compatible with the new one.
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June 14, 2014 4:55:12 PM

What do I do then? System repair disk?
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June 14, 2014 5:02:55 PM

So my problem is that when I place the old hard drive in the new build, it keeps resetting, Startup repair fails to do anything. I don't have the CD that Windows 7 came on. I put it back in it's originaly e machines tower and everything works as expected.. I was kind of hoping I'd be able to burn my windows 7 onto a DVD.
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a b $ Windows 7
June 14, 2014 5:05:32 PM

Nope you cannot do that. You'll have to re-install Windows or remove the old drivers manually and install the new ones. That's not a guaranteed solution though. There may be other problems that arise.
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June 14, 2014 5:05:43 PM

a system imaage contains a copy of the windows os and copies of the programs, system settings, drivers and files etc specific to the hardware used in that pc build, so no it will not work. However, it would have worked if you had just changed the HDD and ram in the old/original system.
the purpose of a system image is to restore the os/software of 'that' same machine, should a software related error render that pc unusable etc and you want to format the hdd and restore the os/data at time of creating the image.
machines rarely come with the operating system disc and if wanted so, would have to be bought separately.
solution? if you can find a copy of windows 7 from someone else or download and burn it, you can still use the same windows 7 Key that came with the machine you bought ( to be used on one system at a time) BUT the legality of the os/product key is that you bought a system with One license of the operating system, therefore can only use it on that one machine and so must buy another windows 7 for your new computer. Possibly buy multiple licenses if you wish to use the OS on multiple systems
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a c 638 $ Windows 7
June 14, 2014 5:06:52 PM

Via the license agreement, you need to purchase a new OS license for the new PC.

That preinstalled OS is licensed to that original PC (the motherboard).

At the very least, you need to do a full reinstall with the new hardware. Thee old EMachine install will almost certainly not boot.

Now, on to the license issue. It is indeed licensed to the original EMachine motherboard. But....you might be able to activate that same license via the phone robot at MS.
But they are under no obligation to allow a new activation on new hardware.

You can download the official Win 7 OS ISO here:
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-...

Install, and see if it activates. If it does not, call and do it via the phone. It it still fails, talk to a human.
If they say no....buy a new one for the new PC.
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June 14, 2014 5:09:46 PM

So what do you suggest I do? I don't have the windows key. The computer came with it already installed.
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a b $ Windows 7
June 14, 2014 5:11:17 PM

I suggest you buy a copy of Windows 7 (or Windows 8) and install it. Back up any data before you install it. It will wipe your entire partition by doing the install.
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a c 638 $ Windows 7
June 14, 2014 5:16:26 PM

Jackburg1 said:
So what do you suggest I do? I don't have the windows key. The computer came with it already installed.


It should be printed on the case somewhere.
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June 14, 2014 5:20:12 PM

yes, windows key is usually 'stickered' somewhere on the machines' case, usually back or top.
legally speaking, only option is to buy a new copy of windows 7
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June 14, 2014 5:22:39 PM

USAFRET, if I burn that ISO onto a disk and boot it on my new build and enter the key, will everything be OK? And if it doesn't, that's when I contact MS? What are the odds of them transferring the licence?
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a c 638 $ Windows 7
June 14, 2014 5:26:26 PM

Jackburg1 said:
USAFRET, if I burn that ISO onto a disk and boot it on my new build and enter the key, will everything be OK?


Maybe.

It will install just fine.

Activation with that previously used OEM key depends completely upon the good graces of Microsoft. It is indeed licensed to the old EMachine. They are under no obligation to allow that same key to be used elsewhere.

If they say no....buy a new Windows license.
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June 14, 2014 5:34:32 PM

Okay. Thank you very much. By install just fine do you mean that if I enter that key it will work no doubt? If thing goes south I guess I will just buy a new OS. The only decision left is do I buy another Windows 7 or do I get Windows 8? A lot of people complain about the looks but objectively is it better?
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a b $ Windows 7
June 14, 2014 5:36:49 PM

Install means installing the operating system. Activation of Windows is up in question.
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a c 638 $ Windows 7
June 14, 2014 5:42:05 PM

By "install" I mean booting from the installation disk and installing Windows.
Activation is a whole other issue.

As far as which one to buy, Win 7 or Win 8?
I prefer Win 8/8.1.
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June 14, 2014 5:45:55 PM

Alrighty then. Thanks again guys. I'm leaning towards windows 8, but my brothers advise against it ( I think their dislike for it is purely on how different it is). I'm guessing no activation = no logging in? I guess what I'm trying to ask is what will be different if it's no activated. These laws are such a pain.
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a c 638 $ Windows 7
June 14, 2014 5:48:24 PM

Jackburg1 said:
Alrighty then. Thanks again guys. I'm leaning towards windows 8, but my brothers advise against it ( I think their dislike for it is purely on how different it is). I'm guessing no activation = no logging in?


With a fresh install of Windows 7, you have 30 days before it absolutely needs to be activated.
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June 14, 2014 5:58:25 PM

Gotcha. Thanks.
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