Transfer OS to new SSD in other computer, and more...

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Erikf1662267

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Dec 21, 2015
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I have a laptop with Windows 7 (OEM) on HDD. I've bought a desktop with SSD and would like to transfer my OS to that SSD. Is this possible?

There are many articles on how to transfer OS to SSD for use in the same computer. The problem seems to be to transfer that OS to a new machine with completely different hardware, due to driver issues. I've seen at least one article that said doing what I want is only possible "sometimes", then there's a bunch of stuff online that's rather old, including references to software that doesn't seem to exist any longer.

So I have to ask here, how do I copy my HDD to SSD and make it bootable on a different computer?
 
Solution
Boogieman_WD
Hey there, Erikf1662267.

Well, to answer your question - you don't. Basically OEM OS can be used only with the machine it came with (laptop, pre-built computer, etc). Most probably you won't even be able to boot to Windows, not to mention activate it.

Unfortunately you'll have to get a retail copy of Windows for your new desktop computer.

Sorry for the grim news.
Boogieman_WD
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

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Jul 31, 2014
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Hey there, Erikf1662267.

Well, to answer your question - you don't. Basically OEM OS can be used only with the machine it came with (laptop, pre-built computer, etc). Most probably you won't even be able to boot to Windows, not to mention activate it.

Unfortunately you'll have to get a retail copy of Windows for your new desktop computer.

Sorry for the grim news.
Boogieman_WD
 
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Solution
Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

Judicious
Jul 31, 2014
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If you don't plan on playing a lot of games, Linux could be a lot of fun. :)
On the other hand there are emulators and a lot of games for Linux as well, so you won't be stranded on a totally game free island.

As for transferring an OS from one computer to another, this is most likely to fail even if the OS was not OEM. There's a very slim chance that this might have worked if both motherboards are exactly the same or pretty similar models and even then it's not 100% guaranteed.

You could still get in touch with Microsoft and ask for some help, although I doubt this would have a positive outcome, but please let me know what you find out. It could be beneficial for someone else having the same dilemma. :)
 
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