I've recently determined a new future build for a computer I want, but I never considered one thing... Can I swap my hard drive and my SSD from my current build over to a new one and have it simply work? If not, what do I need to do to make it work? The computer was built after I chose the parts, and the person who built it installed the OS and everything as well. Dunno how important that is, but maybe it's worth mentioning.
Thanks!
It really depends on your OS. With Linux it should be fairly straightforward, you will need to replace the drivers when plugged in but it should boot fine. Windows however is likely to be a different story. Windows generally locks to the mac address of the mobo, when you plug in your drive windows will probably not be able to verify the hardware . This might be a simple as ring Microsoft and explain you are changing hardware, then they might just give you a new code. Or you might need to reinstall.
Either way, I would recommend a format and reinstall, that way you will have no vestiges of the old hardware on your build. No matter which OS but Linux will probably be better with the hardware change.
Hope this helps
Ed
The biggest problem is that I have 2 drives. 1 HDD and one SSD. I also only have one external hard drive. Can I back up both drives to one, and re-install everything from the external hard drive one drive at a time? Or is that not possible? I'd rather avoid having to re-install absolutely everything if I can help it (There's a lot of stuff I have)
Well, I would wait for a second opinion from someone who does this more often. Normally when I change over hardware I format everything as a chance to get a fresh install.
First of all, what is your OS?
ed
Windows 7
For things like your files, backing them both to a drive should be fairly straightforward. However applications are a different story, that is mostly why I suggest a second opinion. I have never managed to transfer applications between systems and have them work properly.
I hear ya. I never had that work well for me either. It might be great for a chance to have a fresh install, but it's gonna be the biggest pain in terms of the process, haha. I'm still open for comments from others though. But maybe a new install is gonna be the only option. I just hope the current key I have would work to begin with
Generally I have found Microsoft is quite good when it comes to that stuff. They generally give you a new licence I'd you explain yourself to them. But if you are not sure you could give them a ring before hand just to check they are willing.
I would personally recommend the fresh install. But only you know the stuff you need to reinstall. And I'm sure there is someone on here who is pretty good at moving software on win7
Sounds good. Thanks for the help!
(For other viewers, your input is still helpful!)
go into "Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\System" you should see a product Id key if it says oem it will only work on pc's that have the same model motherboard and SLIC2.1 or higer enabled. if not it's a retail version and you should be able to transfer it 3 times before the key becomes invalid. that said it may ask you to re-register. so you'll most likely want to start searching your registry for your registration key before you move it over. that said windows no longer offers mainstream support for windows 7 so I doubt they will fix a license key problem. support expired on 1/13/2015 encase your wondering.
I can't figure out how to get to this path on the system?
I did find some system related stuff, but not through the path you mentioned. The System Model and Manufacturer are "To be filled by O.E.M." I dunno if that's what you meant?
you should see something like this image. ^
Ahhh, that was what I was looking at. It does indeed have OEM in it. Guess a fresh install is what I need? Or do I need an entire new OS for my new computer?
no you can keep every thing the same you'll only need a new license key it should change your system automatically depending on what you enter.
And you say Microsoft isn't helping with that now? How do I fix that? (Sorry for the constant questions, just not piecing this together 100%)
just get a retail box copy of windows 7 online somewhere and use the code from that no need to reinstall or wait till windows 10 comes out in a few months do the free upgrade and get support then.
Gah... Fun times, gotta add Windows 7 to my budget :c Thanks for the help
For the most part it should be fine. Sometimes windows has a fit - so you have to do a startup repair, if that shits itself just backup and resinstall the os. There may also be a need to re-activate, sometimes it askes, other times not. Re-enter your serial key, if that has a fit - follow the prompts for a telephone activation - say your hdd died and you need to re-install. You can do this as many times as you like - ive used an old 7 oem license on several pcs.
Important ---- be sure to clean the os of old drivers etc. Clean the registry, use guru3d's DDU as well.
I'd probably be wiping the drive from the start in order to do a fresh install properly, and just back up the files I need. I'll give that a shot and hope it works. If not, guess I'm gonna have to go buy a copy of windows some place! OEM copies are retail, right?