New SSD and windows question

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Martin9744

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Aug 11, 2014
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Hello,

I want to buy a new SSD. I got everything on the old SSD, windows 7, drivers, programs etc...
I don't care about the programs and such as I can easily install it again, but will I lose my Windows 7 and have to buy it again if I change SSD? Or is there any way I can transfer it, or use the same activation key?
 
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It will keep working, but you won't be able to download updates and it won't strictly be a legal copy of windows anymore.
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VincentP

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Oct 18, 2013
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You have two options.
1) Reinstall Windows on the new SSD. If you have the product key for Windows, Microsoft will activate this on the new SSD providing you still have the same motherboard.
2) Image the old drive to the new drive and keep everything. Some SSDs come packaged with software to do this. Alternatively, you can use a program like Acronis. What you need is a boot CD or DVD with the image software on it, you thne boot off this disk with both SSDs installed in the machine and clone one to the other.
 
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Vexillarius

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Aug 23, 2014
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If it's an OEM license you can upgrade everything but the motherboard and still reinstall/reactivate Windows 7.

If it's a Retail license you can upgrade everything you want including the motherboard (or even transfer the license to a different system) and reinstall without issues.

Simply start the installation process as usual and enter your key when Windows asks for it, you don't need to do anything special.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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The activation code is tied to the motherboard.
Changing out a ssd will not invalidate it. Even with an OEM license.

I assume you want to increase the size of your ssd and replace it.
If your new ssd is intel or Samsung, they offer free clone utilities that will do the job.
I don't think you will even be asked to reactivate.
 
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Martin9744

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Aug 11, 2014
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Thanks for quick answers

I am planning to upgrade my motherboard as well, so will it work if I do like this:

1. Unplug the old SSD and plug in the new one
2. Install windows
3. Can I now change out my motherboard with the new one without losing windows and having to pay for it again...?
 
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VincentP

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Oct 18, 2013
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If you change the motherboard with an installed copy of windows, you will likely have driver issues.
Even just changing the motherboard with an installed copy of Windows will likely cause it to need activation.

If you have a retail copy of Windows, just install clean with the new motherboard and SSD then activate with Microsoft.
If you have an OEM copy of Windows, you will need to buy a new copy then install clean with the new parts.
 
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Martin9744

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Aug 11, 2014
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I got the Windows 7 key pasted on my case, does that mean I could just throw my pc out the window and get a whole new pc (obv. Im not gonna do that), boot the pc with my windows 7 disc and write in this code, and then windows works?
 
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Martin9744

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Aug 11, 2014
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So what happens if I get a new motherboard.... Wont my Windows work anymore? Do I have to buy a new license??
 
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VincentP

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Oct 18, 2013
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It will keep working, but you won't be able to download updates and it won't strictly be a legal copy of windows anymore.
 
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