This is my build so far http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/. My laptop is on its last legs and I want transfer Windows 7 and a few other program from the laptop hard drive to an SSD for my desktop. How do I do this?
There is a program that lets you view your windows cd key.. then you'd just need to download the .iso from microsofts website and use that cd key when installing
Belarc Advisor is one I've used...
That is doing a clean install. He wants to clone the drive by the sounds of it.
Usually your SSD should come with software to clone the drive. But if it doesn't software like DriveImage XML and Clonezilla should get the job done. Although, I have never closed a drive and usually recommend a clean installation of Windows.
Right, I have done it and came back with strange results.....just stick your programs and settings to an external, clean install windows and you are good to go. I do not trust 3rd parties on things like this.
Assuming your laptop has an OEM version of Windows, you cannot transfer Windows to a different motherboard. Transferring Windows to different motherboards is allowed with non-OEM Windows.
A shady website sold me Windows 8.1 Pro for about 35 USD. That website also had Windows 7. I don't know if it is legit but it worked.