Changing a gaming rig but keeping the hard drive

The reviving pun · Jul 22, 2016

Hi I'm making a new pc with completely different parts other than the hard drive. If I install my old hard drive (which has windows 10 64 bit on it) into my new pc will I need to reinstall my os or what? Even my mobo will be different so what will the process be like when booting my pc? Also, will my desktop and stuff look like it did before or will it be as if I've started fresh?
(My first time building a pc so please forgive the newbie questions

)

dexxterlab97 · Jul 22, 2016

I am afraid you will have to get a new copy of Windows with new keys

The reviving pun · Jul 22, 2016

Can't I use my old activation key?

smorizio · Jul 22, 2016

the old key is locked to the old mb. if it oem. if it a retail copy you may be able to reuse the key.

dexxterlab97 · Jul 22, 2016

The reviving pun :

Windows can only be activated on the same computer and since you are changing all of its component it will consider as a new pc.

Rogue Leader · Jul 22, 2016

If you upgraded to Windows 10 you will need to purchase a new copy, it ties itself to the hardware of the old system.

The reviving pun · Jul 22, 2016

So what you're saying is only changing my mobo will require me to get a new activation key? If I were to change any other component my old activation key would work?

sizzling · Jul 22, 2016

If your Windows OEM it's tied to the motherboard. If you upgraded to Windows 10 it depends if the prior version was OEM, if it was a full retail copy you are still fine to move it but if it was OEM it's still tied to the motherboard.

The reviving pun · Jul 22, 2016

Any advice on how I can check if I have retail?

dexxterlab97 · Jul 22, 2016

The reviving pun :

Windows is tied to mobo. So yeah. Stick with your current mobo a while if you dont want to spend extra 100$ for Windows

Rogue Leader · Jul 22, 2016

The reviving pun :

It ties to the motherboard yes (unless your previous Windows was fully boxed retail copy then you can re-use the key). So if you upgraded everything but the motherboard it would work.

JackNaylorPE · Jul 22, 2016

Win 10 is forever tied to the original equipment it was installed on. Whether or not will install on new hardware depends on how much changes. It is often posted by the uninformed that changing the MoBo automatically triggers the need for a new OS license. This is not the case....at least it wasn't w/ any OS previous to Win10.

We don't know exactly what triggers the requirement to purchase a new license. But I can tell you up thru Win7, it required a substantial amount of changes to take place within 6 months. Even changing the MoBo and CPU didn't cause issues unless you changed MoBo manufacturer. If you used the same MoBo manufacturer and the other items (HD, GPU, for example) remain the same, the activation process assumes that you have performed a warranty replacement. I have done it 3 times personally with Win 7 OEM when users destroyed their MoBs installing coolers.

Here's something you may want to read

http://www.howtogeek.com/226510/how-to-use-your-free-windows-10-license-after-changing-your-pc%e2%80%99s-hardware/
http://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

The reviving pun · Jul 22, 2016

And after I've done my upgrades can I use a system image backup to restore the pc to the way it was beforehand?

dexxterlab97 · Jul 22, 2016

The reviving pun :

In any other way you can't keep your Windows. Backup works for current PC only/

JackNaylorPE · Jul 22, 2016

The reviving pun :

1. The image backup will have drivers for your old hardware and won't have drivers fro your new hardware so even if activation was not a problem, it would not work. Imagine buying a new card and restoring the image from the the old car's build in PLC which controls ignition timing etc .... wouldn't be a goof thing

2. MS has a listing of what HW is on the PC.... when you try and activate it will see different stuff and won't activate

Rogue Leader · Jul 22, 2016

The reviving pun :

No, you have all new hardware and a new OS config, you cannot do an image restore.

The reviving pun · Jul 22, 2016

So do I have to erase my old hard drive and back my files using good ol copy paste?

Rogue Leader · Jul 22, 2016

The reviving pun :

Yes

The reviving pun · Jul 22, 2016

Good news! I have a retail version of windows 10 pro 64 bit. Now what do I need to do in order to carry out the mobo change? (Other than physically change the mobo of course)

Rogue Leader · Jul 22, 2016

Still need to format the hard drive and reinstall windows, it should work fine.

The reviving pun · Jul 22, 2016

Thanks all! I'll make sure to let you all know how it goes

JackNaylorPE · Jul 22, 2016

OEM vs Retail is meaningless.... only thing that matters is pre-installed or you installed.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Useterms/Retail/Windows/10/UseTerms_Retail_Windows_10_English.htm

4. Transfer. The provisions of this section do not apply if you acquired the software as a consumer in Germany or in any of the countries listed on this site (aka.ms/transfer), in which case any transfer of the software to a third party, and the right to use it, must comply with applicable law.

a. Software preinstalled on device. If you acquired the software preinstalled on a device (and also if you upgraded from software preinstalled on a device), you may transfer the license to use the software directly to another user, only with the licensed device. The transfer must include the software and, if provided with the device, an authentic Windows label including the product key. Before any permitted transfer, the other party must agree that this agreement applies to the transfer and use of the software.

b. Stand-alone software. If you acquired the software as stand-alone software (and also if you upgraded from software you acquired as stand-alone software), you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you. You may also transfer the software to a device owned by someone else if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came on to transfer the software. Every time you transfer the software to a new device, you must remove the software from the prior device. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between devices.

Follow the installation procedure on tenforums

http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1950-windows-10-clean-install.html

Changing a gaming rig but keeping the hard drive

Commendable

Estimable

Commendable

Titan

Estimable

It's a trap!

Commendable

Titan

Commendable

Estimable

It's a trap!

Titan

Commendable

Estimable

Titan

It's a trap!

Commendable

It's a trap!

Commendable

It's a trap!

Commendable

Titan

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