Hard drive issue

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theresaashby

Apr 9, 2018
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So why can't I just insert my hard drive from my HP into a different hp , shouldn't it just start like normal, I can't just reinstall Windows I need very important info from it. The hard drive fits perfect...ohbwhy can't it just start up like normal?
 
Solution
Chicano
If Windows worked on any motherboard it would be easy to clone a Windows install multiple times without the need to pay for a product key.... so, the boot issue is due to Windows licensing. There are a few tricks you can do to boot Windows without having to reinstall it. Try the first option and if it doesn't work, move on to the next option. If it still doesn't boot you will have to reinstall or clean install. The important information can be backed-up or accessed from a new Windows installation if it is in files, and if in applications, you can use Application Mover to migrate applications to a new Windows installation.

Application Mover
https://www.funduc.com/app_mover.htm

(Option 1) HowTo: Repair Windows 7 Install After...
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Chicano

Chicano

Judicious
Aug 29, 2011
5,071
29
35,490
If Windows worked on any motherboard it would be easy to clone a Windows install multiple times without the need to pay for a product key.... so, the boot issue is due to Windows licensing. There are a few tricks you can do to boot Windows without having to reinstall it. Try the first option and if it doesn't work, move on to the next option. If it still doesn't boot you will have to reinstall or clean install. The important information can be backed-up or accessed from a new Windows installation if it is in files, and if in applications, you can use Application Mover to migrate applications to a new Windows installation.

Application Mover
https://www.funduc.com/app_mover.htm

(Option 1) HowTo: Repair Windows 7 Install After Replacing Motherboard (should work with any Windows version)
http://www.dowdandassociates.com/blog/content/howto-repair-windows-7-install-after-replacing-motherboard/

(Option 2) How to Replace Motherboard without Reinstalling Windows.
https://www.wintips.org/how-to-replace-motherboard-without-re-installing-windows/
 
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Solution
Phillip Corcoran

Phillip Corcoran

Titan
Moderator
Sep 7, 2013
25,981
863
120,140
Your definitely wasting your time trying to boot Windows off it on different hardware. It may be the same PC brand but it's what's inside it that matters, the two machines most likely have different motherboards & other components.

If it's just files you need from it, connect it externally via USB by means of either an HDD enclosure or by using an adapter cable without an enclosure. For a laptop SATA HDD, something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-SATA-Drive-Adapter-Cable-Black/dp/B00HJZJI84

 
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