HELP! New build with old hard drive

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soldier5637

soldier5637

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Hey I just put together my new computer today, totally new except for the hard drive which is from my old computer. I turn on the new computer and it goes into the bios, but it will not load windows off the hard drive. I just popped it out of the old one and into the new one. I'm guessing that doesn't work out so well doing that? How can I fix this? If it helps any, it was in a old Dell, now it's on an msi 970 gaming mobo. Can I wipe it completely and reinstall windows with the disc somehow? How would I do that from the bios? I'm so confused and appreciate any help. I'll be right here to respond to you all asap. Thank you.
 
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ThatVietGuy

ThatVietGuy

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Nov 6, 2007
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You need to buy a new copy of Windows and install it to the hard drive.

You cannot boot a hard drive from one system in a completely new system and expect it to work.

You can try using your Dell's installation disk along with the Dell's product key, but I cannot guarantee that this will work. Only way to be 100% sure you'll install Windows successfully is to get a new copy.
 
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BadBoyGreek

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Even if it did boot in the new machine, you're talking two radically different builds and your registry and drivers would be a mess. You need to wipe it clean and reinstall Windows fresh. Unless you own a retail copy of Windows, you can't use the disc from your Dell on the new PC. If you do have a retail copy, you can call Microsoft and they'll give you a new activation code.
 
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soldier5637

soldier5637

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OK if I put it back in the old machine and wipe it that way and then take it out, put it back in the new one, then put the disc copy of Windows I have into it and install it that way will that work? How do I wipe the drive totally and completely once it's back in the old machine?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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2 issues - Operation and Licensing:

1. Operation: AS you have seen, it will not boot from that old install. A reinstall is your only option. There is no 'fix'.

2. Licensing: Since this is coming out of an old Dell, may we assume that it is an OEM install? If so, that license is tied to that original motherboard. You need anew license for your new PC.

Solution? Buy a new OS for your new PC.
 
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BadBoyGreek

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About the OS install, as I said, if it's a Dell OEM copy of Windows you have, you won't be able to activate it. You don't need to put the hard drive back in the old machine to format it. The drive will be formatted during the Windows installation process.
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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Yep.

I recommend one of the following:

1. Buy Windows 8.1 64-bit:
Install it then upgrade to Windows 10 64-bit for free later (first year after launch which is roughly July/August).

or

2. Install Windows 10 Technical Preview:
It's free to install but you'll still have to buy a copy which I believe is no later than six months from now. You wouldn't have to reinstall it though as it updates to a full license just fine.

*I suggest the Windows 8 method because there may be compatibility issues with Windows 10 to be sorted out. Maybe upgrade to W10 closer to 2016.

Other:
Microsoft has made a confusing statement that "if you upgrade to Windows 10 from a pirated copy you'll get warnings that it's a non-Genuine version"... What? Are you saying that it will work but with just a warning?

(I'm not recommending pirating but is Microsoft actually encouraging this as part of their new plan to make their cut from software sold through the MS STORE?)

This begs the question to what would happen if you:

1) ran W10 Tech Preview now for free, then
2) wipe and install W7 OEM (without activation) after W10 officially releases, then immediately
3) Try to UPGRADE to Windows 10

Would that work for free?
 
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G

Guest

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pop the drive back into the old rig, if it boots go to control panel and remove all the drivers from programs and features. then go to device manager and uninstall every driver on the list that windows will let you. reboot into safe mode, go to device manager and uninstall every driver you can. shut down system, then put into new rig. first boot will take a bit but it will boot. then install new hardware drivers, reboot as required. your old windows will now work with new hardware.

despite popular opinion, this works. you may have to reactivate windows afterward.
see also
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2629374/reinstall-windows-fairly-linear-upgrade.html
 
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BadBoyGreek

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While this approach is known to work, I still wouldn't recommend it; the registry would be a disaster. And nothing spells Windows problems like a bum registry.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Apparently, Win 10 will 'upgrade' any Win 7 or 8 install. But a non-legit license will remain non-legit.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Better solution:
Sell the old system for $100.
Buy new OS for the new system.
Done.
 
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