How to use a used harddrive in a new build?

[blobloblo]

So I have a SATA hard drive with windows 8.1 and some other files, programs, games, and drivers (Pretty much what a normal hard drive has on it). I'm going to be using this drive in a new build but was wondering how I would go about doing so. As far as I know, I can continue to use the windows installed on the drive as Microsoft removed their "tie OS to motherboard" idea in windows 8, but what about all the other data? I don't care about any of the data on the drive except the OS, but since I'm going to be using this in a new build with a different board, will the other data give me problems? If I can boot and load the computer with no problem with the hard drive please let me know. Otherwise please tell me the steps I must take to successfully use this used drive in a new build. Thank you.

 

[Suztera]

Find your window 8.1 product key if you haven't got it. Reformat the whole drive and reinstall Windows 8.1.

 

[USAFRet]

If I can boot and load the computer with no problem with the hard drive please let me know.

That is a 'maybe'.
New system + old HDD and OS usually means a full reinstall. Your existing license key is no problem, but the system will probably not boot.
Reinstall, and activate with your current license key. Assuming it is not an OEM preinstalled license.

 

[blobloblo]

If I can boot and load the computer with no problem with the hard drive please let me know.

That is a 'maybe'.
New system + old HDD and OS usually means a full reinstall. Your existing license key is no problem, but the system will probably not boot.
Reinstall, and activate with your current license key. Assuming it is not an OEM preinstalled license.

It is in fact OEM. So if the computer does not boot with the hard drive my only option would be a fresh install of an OS?

 

[USAFRet]

If I can boot and load the computer with no problem with the hard drive please let me know.

That is a 'maybe'.
New system + old HDD and OS usually means a full reinstall. Your existing license key is no problem, but the system will probably not boot.
Reinstall, and activate with your current license key. Assuming it is not an OEM preinstalled license.

It is in fact OEM. So if the computer does not boot with the hard drive my only option would be a fresh install of an OS?

Fresh install, yes.

 

[blobloblo]

If I can boot and load the computer with no problem with the hard drive please let me know.

That is a 'maybe'.
New system + old HDD and OS usually means a full reinstall. Your existing license key is no problem, but the system will probably not boot.
Reinstall, and activate with your current license key. Assuming it is not an OEM preinstalled license.

It is in fact OEM. So if the computer does not boot with the hard drive my only option would be a fresh install of an OS?

Fresh install, yes.

Thank you, this helps a lot.