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Thread ID: 138962	2015-02-16 08:20:00	Computer upgrade with only hard drive left	Columbuslee (16989)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1394489	2015-02-16 08:20:00	I have pretty much figured out the upgrade I want to my computer . But, there is one problem left . The only things that will remain from my old computer to the new one will be the hard drive, memory, and case . Everything else will be new . I will be installing a SSD . When I boot up the computer for the first time will the SSD read from the hard drive to boot the computer? Also will I have to have the Windows 7 install disc? The computer is in New Mexico and the Windows 7 disc is in Ohio . The weather between New Mexico is horrible . Should I wait till I get the Windows 7 disc to New Mexico in case there is a problem getting the computer to boot? I would hate to get the computer together and then just stare at it till I can get the Windows 7 disc to New Mexico . Thanks	Columbuslee (16989)
1394490	2015-02-16 09:28:00	Normally the SSD will be the main HDD for the OS, so you have two choices ( 3 really) 1 - clone/transfer the current W7 to the SSD and use the original HDD as a storage drive. 2. - Install W7 fresh on the SSD, install Programs etc, using the Old HDD as storage.>>>> Best option as there wont be any corruption carried across from a old install. 3. - Run W7 off the current drive and use the SSD for something else -- Complete waste of a SSD. The SSD wont boot unless it has some sort of OS installed ( as it will be empty) and then it would need to be the first boot HDD once a OS is installed.	wainuitech (129)
1394491	2015-02-17 01:42:00	My HD has Windows 7 on it. I can not get to the HD (I broke the old computer) until I install it in the new computer. If I set it up to boot from the HD will the computer boot up from it with no problem (even though it is the only old thing on the computer)? I thought Microsoft checked signatures to keep people from cloning the Operating system) If it does boot, can I then just move all the Windows files to the SSD and then change the boot to the SSD? You guys are great!!!!!!	Columbuslee (16989)
1394492	2015-02-17 02:07:00	Cloning the OS wouldn't be a problem, But changing an existing install to different hardware may cause problems. Some say plug in the drive and it will take care of the different drivers, then load up the new drivers for your hardware -- that works sometimes, but it generally still needs to re activated and even then can be unstable. Other times the OS will simply blue screen and go into an endless loop of booting /rebooting. The best result would still be as per #2 above "Install W7 fresh on the SSD, install Programs etc," re the cloning, depending on what SSD you buy, some come with their own cloning software, others you have to use a third party program. "legally" if your W7 is OEM, then its tied to the original Hardware. ( motherboard)	wainuitech (129)
1394493	2015-02-17 19:06:00	The computer is not OEM. I built it from scratch. So does W7 still go with the motherboard, even though the motherboard is broken? It looks like I am gambling if I don't have the old install disc. To get the disc back here no matter how I figure it will cost me more than the cost of a new W7 disc. So if I get all the parts I may as well get a new W7 disc or get the parts install it here and if it doesn't work go to Bestbuy and get a new disc.	Columbuslee (16989)
1394494	2015-02-18 02:00:00	If you purchased OEM OS (disk in white sleeve basically) then technically it's tied to original components (there are limits as to what you can change and what is considered too much but i don't know exactly what that threshold is). If on the other hand you purchased a boxed version of the OS (in a retail box) then you are entitled to reload onto new hardware. Usually at the time of purchase these things are not considered and OEM (aka cheapest) option is taken. Selling OEM software is not actually allowed (but happens). But either way from what you are saying you need a win7 disk as anything less than a fresh install is likely to be more trouble than its worth. Ask a friend/neighbour to borrow their disk, its not the disk that is the issue it is the COA number which if a legit copy you will have. Load it from anyone's disk using your number (must be same version pro/home of course)	dzina (6860)
1394495	2015-02-18 02:38:00	Do a Clean install as recommended, there are many reasons why it's just better. If it is OEM although technically it can't be transferred MS will often allow it if you use the activation phone number and explain that the PC has been repaired (as opposed to replaced) and now you're just trying to get it working again. Selling OEM software is allowed under the windows 8 rules but not for earlier versions which were intended to be bundled with hardware and pre-installed by a system builder. MS has relaxed the rules a bit with 8 and recognised that many enthusiasts are their own OEM builder. Retail versions might still require you to ring the number to activate but all you need to do is verify it's only installed on 1 PC in that case. How it works is something like this (if anyone cares); When you install windows it generates a unique ID code based on the hardware ID's it finds in the system and assigns a point value to some of them adding up to 10 points. That ID is tied to your COA during activation. A graphics card or CPU is equivalent to 1 point, a network card is 2 points, etc. You can add any hardware you like as long as the original hardware is still there and you can remove up to a certain amount (3 points worth I think) without triggering a need to reactivate. Once a piece of hardware has been removed it doesn't count again so if you upgrade your graphics card you have 9/10 points but you can safely upgrade it again with no effect. Because there is so much hardware on a motherboard removing it is basically guaranteed to exceed the amount of points you are allowed.	dugimodo (138)
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