Need to re-install Windows and get new storage device, What to do first?

[M A W]

I am having a bit trouble trying to come up with a plan of action. I have a pre-built system with pre-installed Windows 7 (By now I replaced most of the hardware in there). I didn't have an installation disc so I created one from the free ISO given by Digital River. I want to re-install Windows because I am having several unresolved issues despite all the things I did to try and fix them. At the same time, I want to purchase my first SSD and put only the Windows 7 OS on there so I can just boot from it and have all my data on my other HDD. I don't have any resources available to where I can backup my current data to.

Sooo in nutshell, I am trying to decide how I can best reinstall Windows to a new drive properly without running into hiccups. I would prefer a fresh install on the SSD rather than just doing a move and possibly bringing any problems with it. I have a gist of what to do, I'm just not sure if it's the best way to do it. Dealing with a pre-installed Windows is mainly what's worrying me.

What I need:

1: Fresh install of OEM Windows 7
2: Windows 7 on a SSD
3: Keeping data in tact on original HDD.

 

[Hashwagon]

What size of files do you need to save? If it's under 15GB it may be smoothest to setup a Google Drive account and move it all to the cloud then install windows on the SSD, reformate your old HDD to a drive letter to install all your programs, download Drive and pull your files back.

 

[M A W]

Mmmmm, try about 400GB worth. I'm talking everything from documents to games. I don't think Google Drive goes that high unfortunately. Which is why this got me thinking that I may have to purchase a new HDD too if i can't go around just leaving my data where it is while I reinstall and/or move Windows.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Did you change motherboard?

 

[M A W]

The original one has been swapped out yes but I did that around January of this year. Current model is B75MA-P45.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

OEM 7 is tied to the first board it's installed on.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[M A W]

Strange, I did not know that. I am sure that my version of windows came pre-installed as I don't recall buying it separately nor do I have any packaging of it. I got a Lenovo IdeaCentre K320 from Best Buy and eventually swapped out everything except the drives. I am still using the same HDD that the system came with. However that would explain a rare occurrence that when I login, I would get a notification saying my version isn't genuine. But I don't receive those anymore. It is genuine. Maybe it was retail and I just can't find the disk, manual, or packaging anywhere. I got this computers years ago.

The serial key is smacked down on the side of the case. If it is OEM, then I have no idea how it's working. Maybe the water damage on my previous motherboard did something goofy to the OS in a good way.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

It's an OEM and can become invalid at anytime.

 

[M A W]

Well, it still works! Will this pose an issue if I try to reinstall it? I've read that OEM keys will work on retail versions as well. And I have the OS on a disc now soooo...?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

If it becomes not genuine , you can use the automated phone option to activate.