Can you remove Windows 7 OEM from a hard drive but keep all the data on it?

[Mecahhh]

Ok so I am currently in the process on building a new PC. I also have my old computer here which I want to take the hard drive from to put into the old PC, as it has LOADS of important files, documents pictures etc. I may also add that the old computer was an OEM system that I bought from a store, so windows is currently on the hard drive. I understand that I can not use the windows 7 OS as it is tied with the motherboard on this old computer so I am just going to buy a new windows OS for the new PC. Now my problem is that to get the new OS on the old hard drive. Can I just plug the hard drive into the new pc and just run the new OS and not have to do anything with the old OEM OS or will I have to delete the old OS which is tied with the old MOBO? If I have to delete the old OS to get the new OS on the hard drive, I want to do it in a way where it doesn't delete all the data on it.

 

[goerk27]

You can simply plug it in and if you do not boot from this hard drive the files will just sit there and do nothing. However, I do not see the point in doing that. Simply attach it, transfer all your stuff and then wipe it.

 

[DSzymborski]

And after you attach it and transfer files, make sure to make a backup plan - it sounds a lot like the only place these "loads of very important files, documents, pictures, etc." are stored in is on a single hard drive, which is the best way to guarantee that at some point, those files become irrevocably lost.

 

[Mecahhh]

Yes, I will back everything up after I get the build all up and running. Thanks for the help