Moving my HDD to a new computer

[MrChrissyD]

The last part of my PC comes tomorrow and I am wanting to transfer my current HDD over to the new build.

I contacted microsoft about my windows licence and they said if I move my old HDD over to my new computer it would allow me to run my current licence without buying a new verson of windows 8.1.

My question is how will my OS on my HDD cope with the change of mobo, graphics card and cpu when I plug it into my new build and boot it up tomorrow?

A fast response would be appreciated.

 

[MarkW]

Normally, the Windows install is locked to the motherboard. But when it detects that its on a new motherboard, it has you contact Microsoft.

This is where the type of Windows license comes into play.

- An OEM version of Windows (no matter if it came pre-installed from a computer maker, or you if purchased the $99 OEM version of windows) is not transferable to a new machine.

- On the other hand, if you paid for a non-OEM version of Windows (which normally costs double that $99 OEM price), then the software can be transferred from the original system to a new one. You still may need to call Microsoft, but this is clearly permitted under the license.

 

[captaincharisma]

when it starts up it will go crazy trying to install drivers because all or some of the hardware is different. but you can install the drivers and it should be fine. but its always best in this type of situation to backup all your files and install fresh if you can. you already got the go ahead from MS

 

[MrChrissyD]

I am talking to a Microsoft answer desk employee that says this is possible. As long as it is retail, I am not sure if I got the non OEM or OEM version but I bought it for £99.99

 

[feluda]

I am talking to a Microsoft answer desk employee that says this is possible. As long as it is retail, I am not sure if I got the non OEM or OEM version but I bought it for £99.99

Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and find the Product ID.

The Product ID should be in the form xxxxx-xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxx. What are the 3 characters in the second group (if those 3 characters are OEM, then you have an OEM version).

 

[MrChrissyD]

Okay so after talking to Microsoft I found that if you have a retail version of windows 8(.1) you can just plug that hard drive into you new build and it will pretty much sort itself out, if you have any problem and the OS thinks you have done something and it asks for a re-activation just call Microsoft, tell them you upgraded your mobo they will then sort it out, job done.

 

[MrChrissyD]

Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and find the Product ID.

The Product ID should be in the form xxxxx-xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxx. What are the 3 characters in the second group (if those 3 characters are OEM, then you have an OEM version).

No they are not OEM they are 3 numbers

 

[feluda]

that means you have a retail version. so, you aren't going to face any problem. windows will probably automatically download all the necessary new drivers required for the new hardware detected. speaking of licence, you aren't gonna face any problem there too. so, go ahead.

 

[popatim]

Although I have yet to try it with 8, going from AMD to an INtel Build usually causes problems with win & pratically forcing you to do a fresh install