Moving used HD installed with Windows to new MoBo questions

[AQuebman]

Hello All,

I am looking into building my own PC but to save money until I can afford an SSD and a bgger HD, I wanted to use my current 500GB hard drive that already has Win7 installed. I don't know if this is possible but if I could get any tips or assistance with this it would be greatly appreciated.

I will say I don't have the Win7 disk as it was installed for free by a buddy of mine so I hope that won't be an issue.

Thanks,

AQuebman

 

[Frequency44]

Unfortunately, moving a Windows installation doesn't work like this. A new system means different hardware, which requires different drivers.

It won't even boot on you new machine, you'll have to do a proper reinstall.

 

[timrogersx]

Those who do not know should not speak. It is totally possible. I am an expert because I am an expert at getting one Symantec Ghost Image to work on vastly different hardware. This is technically speaking the same thing. So here's what you need to do: While HD is in old PC you need to follow the steps when you google "Mergeride.reg" Specifically this: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314082 Don't skip any steps. Then move the drive. Yes you may have many drivers to update but the critical one, the Hard Drive Controller Chipset is what is the difference between a successful boot into windows or a Stop statement BSOD. So it's Easy.

 

[Hawkeye22]

It's possible, but not recommended. It makes it harder to diagnose problems making you question wether it's the new hardware or the OS. Also, a clean install will get rid of registry bloat and removes old unnecessary drivers.

 

[AQuebman]

Hmmm well it's almost brand new... I may try it just because I don't have much of a better option until more money rolls in. Thanks for the help all.