Can I move a Harddrive containing Operating System, into a New Computer?

[ELECTRX]

I plan on building a new gaming pc, and I want to save money by using the same harddrive as the one in my current pc.

1) Is this Possible?
2) Is it possible to keep Operating System
3) Is it possible to keep all the files in my harddrive
4) The new computer will have new specs, so how will I have to tell it that there is a different graphics card for example?

Thanks in advanced.

 

[Dogsnake]

You are in for a lot of work if this is what you want to do. First off windows stores information about your hardware and when you change the entire system, it may not boot at all. If it does, then you will find some or all the on MB devices do not work until you reinstall the chip set drivers and perhaps some other device drivers such as sound and network. You will have to re-install printer drivers and software as well. One other main issue is windows it's self. You will need to reactivate it. If yours is an oem version then it will not activate under the original product key. You might get MS support to issue a new one if you call them but there policy is one system install per oem copies. If you have a retail version you will still need the activate and might need to call MS anyway. If you are replacing everything but the drive, I suggest you get a new drive and do a clean install of windows and your software. You will save so much time and annoyance that is it so worth it. You can keep your existing dive and use it to store data like music, pictures, documents...

 

[unksol]

You can use the harddrive but you need to reinstall windows and if you have an OEM version of windows 7 or older you need a new windows license.

Makes sense to buy a new harddrive unless the old computer is broke.

 

[bignastyid]

1) Moving an OS to another system rarely works well, it's suggested to do a clean reinstall of the os on the new hardware.
2) If its a retail copy you can use the key on a new system. If it's an OEM version of win 7 or older it's locked to the old motherboard and can't be used on another system. Windos 8 is a bit different(more complicated) there are about 3 different licenses Retail(ok to move) system builder OEM(also ok to move to a new system) then the preinstalled OEM versions(versions for companies like Dell and HP that are tied to the machine and can't be moved).
3) you'll want to create a backup of all important date and the driver will get wiped during a clean install.
4) you'll need to install drivers after the clean reinstall.

 

[ELECTRX]

How can i do a clean reinstall without buying a new copy of windows OS? currently i am using windows 7. I can make a backup of most important data on to my external harddrive. how will i be able to install drivers?

 

[bignastyid]

How can i do a clean reinstall without buying a new copy of windows OS? currently i am using windows 7. I can make a backup of most important data on to my external harddrive. how will i be able to install drivers?

Is your version of windows 7 OEM or retail?

 

[ELECTRX]

I got it pre-installed with the computer 🙁

 

[bignastyid]

I got it pre-installed with the computer 🙁

Then it's OEM and locked to the old system. You can reuse the HDD but you are going to need to buy a new OS.

 

[ELECTRX]

Alright, thank you Although it sucks that i have to buy another copy of Windows, at least i can use the Harddrive.

 

[Dogsnake]

I would recommend you spent the additional money for a new hard drive. The one you have has been in service for the age of the system. Of all the components in the system, the HDD is most prone to age and wear from use. $60-$80 buys you a new 1TB WD Blue or Black. Be smart buy a new one.
I buy from these guys and have found them vg on price (http://www.buycheapsoftware.com/details~productID~4680.asp).

 

[ELECTRX]

I think I will reuse my Harddrive (budget issues), and buy a new windows installer. Sadly, i do not have an optical drive for this build, so how will i have to install it?

 

[Dogsnake]

You will need to purchase a license and then download the ISO to a USB flash drive. Read through this (http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/where-can-i-download-windows-7-iso-i-have-a/7d964b05-2be9-4800-bc7f-3ca30356fc3d) as it has links to various Win7 version downloads. Remember the new installation will format the HDD and it's contents will be lost. Be sure to backup and save anything you want to save first.