Copying windows 7 to a new hard drive

[woodystyle777]

I have a 60gb SSD right now for my C drive with windows 7 ultimate. I bought this computer from someone on craigslist so I do not have a copy of Windows 7 or anything else for that matter. Im into filmmaking so I use pretty big programs like cinema4d, the entire adobe creative suite, mocha, and a million other things, so I want to replace the 60g with a 240g SSD.

My question is can I get this new SSD, and somehow transfer my windows 7 ultimate onto it? Or do I have to buy another actual copy of windows 7? They are expensive: $190 for it at newegg.

If I can somehow get win7 on the new SSD, could you explain the process of how to do this?

Thanks so much,
-WooDy

 

[USAFRet]

1. For any used PC, your first move should be to wipe and reinstall the OS and applications. You never know what the previous owner had on there. Or the owner before him.

2. You do NOT need Windows 7 Ultimate. A cheaper Windows 7 Pro will work just fine.

3. You could clone from one to the other, but as per #1, I wouldn't recommend it.

Buy a fresh copy of the OS. Install on the new SSD. Use the old 60GB as a scratch drive.

 

[woodystyle777]

I just used this software called magic jelly bean keyfinder and it showed me the Product key code for my copy that is installed now. Using this code, can I just download windows 7 onto the new drive and enter my code?

 

[jossrik]

I recommend looking into acronis, they can clone a drive for you and it's not all that hard to do. Basically just hook up both drives, make sure they are both good to use, then use the True Image software to clone from one to another, then you will need to use something like Easy BCD to move the boot files to the new drive so you can boot from it. Somewhat time consuming, but cheaper than buying a new windows.

 

[jossrik]

I just used this software called magic jelly bean keyfinder and it showed me the Product key code for my copy that is installed now. Using this code, can I just download windows 7 onto the new drive and enter my code?

You can porobably do that if you have an installation CD or bootable USB with the windows 7 image on it, then you'd have to call microsoft to get it straight, shouldn't take that long though, and I hear they are nice.

 

[USAFRet]

I just used this software called magic jelly bean keyfinder and it showed me the Product key code for my copy that is installed now. Using this code, can I just download windows 7 onto the new drive and enter my code?

Probably, yes. It may direct you to activate via the phone robot, but that is pretty painless.

Go here for official Windows 7 ISO's:
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/