NEW Motherboard old boot drive

SuperChil

Honorable
Jul 8, 2013
68
0
10,640
I want to clone My current boot drive(ssd) on to a bigger ssd and use it on a new build (new motherboard and everything). Just to clarify I have the os product will I need to buy a new OS? Or can I just use my product key from the OS I already have ?

Please Help
 
Solution
You're going to run into multiple issues trying to do it that way.

1. Cloning from HDD to SSD. Not recommended

2. Current install in one machine (on whichever drive), then moving that to a whole new build.
It may not boot at all upon seeing all that new hardware. Clean install with the new hardware is strongly recommended.

3. Licensing. Upon seeing the new hardware, it will deactivate itself. If it is a retail license, reactivation is no problem. If it is an OEM license, you MUST go through MS to get it reactivated. And they are under no obligation to allow that OEM license to be used on all new hardware.


Bottom line:
Install clean on the SSD in the new PC. See if it activates with your existing license key.
If it doesn't, call MS...

Vishxyz

Honorable
Nov 1, 2013
37
0
10,540
You don't need to buy a new OS. The key will work just fine with the fresh installation.

If it's an OEM license, the copy is registered with the motherboard and/or the hard drive. I am not very sure. But if you can call them up and explain it, it'll be no problem.
 

Vishxyz

Honorable
Nov 1, 2013
37
0
10,540


Can't really comment on that with confidence. People have been able to call up MS and get it reactivated. You'll be too, I believe.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
You're going to run into multiple issues trying to do it that way.

1. Cloning from HDD to SSD. Not recommended

2. Current install in one machine (on whichever drive), then moving that to a whole new build.
It may not boot at all upon seeing all that new hardware. Clean install with the new hardware is strongly recommended.

3. Licensing. Upon seeing the new hardware, it will deactivate itself. If it is a retail license, reactivation is no problem. If it is an OEM license, you MUST go through MS to get it reactivated. And they are under no obligation to allow that OEM license to be used on all new hardware.


Bottom line:
Install clean on the SSD in the new PC. See if it activates with your existing license key.
If it doesn't, call MS and ask them. They might.
If that fails....buy a new license.
 
Solution