Confused With Windows Migration, First Time Build

[StealthyDwarf]

Update After successfully completing my build and preforming a clean install of windows 10 I tried two different keys. One was the one that came with the original computer and one was what Speccy said I was using. The one from Speccy did not work but the original key did. I guess it was not bound to the old motherboard.

I am confused on if I can move windows from an old HD onto an SSD in a new build? I know there are a few ways that might work. The new SSD comes with Imaging software, but I was hoping to do a clean instal of windows. From what I have read there are ways to do it but they might not work because the key is tied to the motherboard but others may work just because of how windows 10 is.

If anyone can point me in the right direction and what might be the best method, if possible, to do a fresh install that would be awesome!

I have a standard store bought Dell upgraded to Win 10 that I am retiring. Specs at the bottom. The original computer came with Windows 7 installed and there is a sticker on the case with the product key and "Certificate of Authenticity." Other than the sticker I have no other paperwork, discs or anything else that came with the original computer. I am trying to avoid moving everything onto the SSD and really trying to avoid buying windows.

*The computer has problem turning on. The only fix I have is shorting 2 pins for a minute and then hoping I can kill it and get it to boot properly (hours of frustration). So anytime the computer turns off it might never come back on again....



Current Hardware
Processor: Intel Core i5 2310 CPU 2.90 GHz
Graphics card: PNY XLR8 Nvidia GTX 750 2Gb (added)
Motherboard: Something from Dell
Memory: 8Gb
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (added)
PSU: Rosewill Hive-750, Hive Series 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified (added)
Hard Drive: 1Tb
SSD: N/A

Upgrading To
Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 6M Skylake Quad-Core 3.3 GHz
Graphics card: PNY XLR8 Nvidia GTX 750 2Gb (same)
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z170-HD3P
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3200
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (same)
PSU: Rosewill Hive-750, Hive Series 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified (Same)
Hard Drive: WD Blue 1TB Desktop Hard Disk Drive, Possibly keeping the old HD as well for misc stuff
SSD: PNY CS1311 2.5" 120GB SATA-III (6 Gb/s) TLC Internal Solid State Drive

 

[Colif]

if you are building a new computer you need to buy a licence for windows 10. You are best getting a retail copy of Windows 10 as it can move between computers, the update version or OEM version are matched to the computer they are installed in.

You cannot move the win 7 from old pc to new as its matched to the computer it came with.

Microsoft sees new CPU & motherboard as new PC, even if its in same case.

 

[StealthyDwarf]

if you are building a new computer you need to buy a licence for windows 10. You are best getting a retail copy of Windows 10 as it can move between computers, the update version or OEM version are matched to the computer they are installed in.

You cannot move the win 7 from old pc to new as its matched to the computer it came with.

Microsoft sees new CPU & motherboard as new PC, even if its in same case.

That is what I understood it as, just hoped there was a way around it. Thank you for the response.

 

[spaceshipcowboy]

I did a new build a few months ago (about 5 ) and inserted my existing hard drive into the new build with windows 10 on it. It started fine then I used the recovery tool and selected RESET PC option to give me a clean slate. Im not saying this is the best option but it worked for me. I even rang Microsoft several times and they were pretty laid back about it. While the free thing is going make the most of it. Just as long as the cumulative update 1511 updates without any hassles you are pretty good to go. I read a lot of techie forums that said it was tied to the motherboard but I think its actually mostly speculation because Microsoft wont actually say how the validation process works. Though its a risk and was told a lot that it might damage the motherboard I went and did it anyway. so up to you