Transferring OS for New Build

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liammac001

Reputable
Nov 26, 2014
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I'm currently in the process of ordering the parts for this build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/FdJ6dC. However I just realized that I have a external hard drive that allows you to make a bootable back up of your OS. I have an old, pretty much unused Asus laptop that runs Windows 7, and an newer HP Envy that runs Windows 8. This drive could make a bootable back up of either of these. I have had to use the drive once when I corrupted Windows on the Asus laptop, and all I had to do was put it first in the boot order. Anyways, what I'm asking is do you think that instead of shelling out $100 for a copy of Windows 8 I could just do this? I would probably use a backup of the newer computer since Windows 8 is more lightweight than 7, but if I just did this instead of buying a copy, I could free up more money for parts, specifically the CPU. I'm reluctant to use this method, however, because I'm not sure whether there will be driver issues and stuff like that, or if it will still keep displaying the battery bar, or not detect my RAM, or something like that. Would Windows do that? I was planning on installing 8 then doing a "reset", where it uninstalls everything and resets, so I could start with a clean slate. Would you recommend this?
 
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The reason the backup of a different (and I assume older) machine won't work on a new build is that the new build will require different motherboard/chipset/cpu drivers.

I have had luck installing a different CPU of the same family into an existing build and having the system boot from the original hard drive, detect the different CPU, load the needed drivers, and reboot itself with no problems.

But going to a whole new system from a previous system's boot drive has never worked. Take the time and money to do it right and you will have a much more stable system.
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Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
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Dec 22, 2014
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This won't work. When Windows is installed it "marries" itself to the hardware, so when you load up that backup it will probably not even boot (but even if it does, it won't work right). Also your license to use Windows is for 1 device not multiple. If you can find the original install disc for either computer you can install Window 7 or 8 from it and then call Microsoft to transfer the license, however then you would need to remove windows from that laptop, otherwise when it connects to the internet it will invalidate both installs.

Suffice to say, you need to buy Windows, what you want to do won't work, and is a violation of the EULA.
 
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thx1138v2

Splendid
Jun 18, 2011
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The reason the backup of a different (and I assume older) machine won't work on a new build is that the new build will require different motherboard/chipset/cpu drivers.

I have had luck installing a different CPU of the same family into an existing build and having the system boot from the original hard drive, detect the different CPU, load the needed drivers, and reboot itself with no problems.

But going to a whole new system from a previous system's boot drive has never worked. Take the time and money to do it right and you will have a much more stable system.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
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Mar 16, 2013
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I have an old, pretty much unused Asus laptop that runs Windows 7, and an newer HP Envy that runs Windows 8.
Click to expand...

1. You can't use either of those licenses on a new PC, and continue to use it on the old PC(s).
1 license, 1 PC.

2. You can't use a license from a preinstalled system on a new system, even if you don't use continue to use it on the old system.

You new PC needs its own OS.
 
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