Win 7 HDD question

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EndingSatsuma

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Jul 29, 2015
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Hi there,
In the near future i'm going to upgrade my pc, but keep my current hard disk and RAM. I was just wondering if when I build my new PC I would have to purchase Windows 7 again or if it is saved on my hard disk. Would I have to reinstall windows or would it just be a 'plug and play' situation after building everything in the new case?

In my new build I will be upgrading my: graphics card, CPU, CPU cooler, motherboard, case and power supply. Everything else is the same

Thanks all :)
 
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Herc08

Herc08

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It depends, do you know if you have an OEM key or Retail key? Most likely you may have to re-install Windows...or just get a new key from Microsoft. I would call them, and let them know that your motherboard failed and needs to be replaced. They are usually nice enough to give you a new key.

Also you want to make sure that your data is backed up, just in case. But you should be doing that normally.
 
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D_Know_WD

D_Know_WD

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Jul 30, 2014
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Hi there EndingSatsuma,

You will need to reinstall OS, as your system will not boot. So, you need to back up your data first.

Don't you have an OS CD?
Did you get a pre built PC? If this is the case, it may be a good idea to contact the manufacturer on the OS issue.

Edit: I was kind of late. :)

Let me know how this goes,
D_Know_WD :)
 
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EndingSatsuma

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I got my current PC pre-built after choosing the components off of a website, I found the Windows 7 disk along with the box of stuff they sent. Maybe that means its a retail key? Does reinstalling windows mean buying it again? or just getting it off my current HDD?

ps. I have no disk drive so I guess they just installed windows on the motherboard using the retail key?
 
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EndingSatsuma

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Hey there, thanks for the reply :)

Yes I did get my PC pre-built after choosing the parts
I found my Windows 7 disk along with the stuff they sent. Is it worth getting a disk drive along with my new pc then? because my current PC doesn't have one I guess the company that built it just installed it for me :)

 
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Herc08

Herc08

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Most likely it is retail which should allow you change hardware. As far as the disk drive, I would recommend getting a cheap USB dvd drive. It's less than $20 on amazon, and if you don't use it much, you can store it in a different space. Jus tmy recommendation.
 
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EndingSatsuma

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So I can just plug in my HDD and have all my data? also thanks for the dvd drive recommendation that sounds perfect :)
 
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D_Know_WD

D_Know_WD

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Well, I would agre with Herc08. You can grab a cheap dvd drive.
Alternatively, you can create a bootable flash drive: http://www.howtogeek.com/191054/how-to-create-bootable-usb-drives-and-sd-cards-for-every-operating-system/

You will need a licence key.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD :)
 
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Herc08

Herc08

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You should be able to, again, I would backup data, just to be on the safe side.
 
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EndingSatsuma

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Thanks for the support guys :)
Say I chose to get the usb dvd drive as Herc said,
I need a license key as well as the disk? Or can I just pop the disk in and install windows
 
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rgd1101

rgd1101

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Most likey not retail. probably OEM.
 
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