Possible to use a new CPU on an old hard drive without reinstalling?

[mike2012]

Okay, so my Hard Drive that came with the i3 computer broke. But I have another older hard drive that has the Pentium Dual Core drivers on it. I don't have a Windows 7 DVD nor do I have the $100 to buy it right now. So is there a way to use my Pentium Dual Core Hard Drive with my i3 mobo without doing a complete reinstall?

If I must reinstall, is there a way this can be done without the disc?

 

[stickmansam]

Pentium Dual core as in LGA775?

If you're willing to call up MS, they sometimes will give you a new code to use, since switching motherboards is considered "a new computer" and requires reinstall

 

[USAFRet]

Assuming you have a legal product key, you can download the official Win7 ISO here:
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

Burn to DVD, install, and activate with your existing key. It might require a call to the MS phone robot to activate, but it should work.

 

[mike2012]

So basically if it's an OEM installation though, I have to buy a Windows 7 disc and do an old install on the old drive?

Or perhaps I could clone the new drive to the old one...

 

[stickmansam]

you can download the official iso, you're allowed to since you bought a copy

you do a new install on the old drive

 

[USAFRet]

So basically if it's an OEM installation though, I have to buy a Windows 7 disc and do an old install on the old drive?

Or perhaps I could clone the new drive to the old one...

If it is an OEM install, the product key is printed on it somewhere. You can use that.

 

[mike2012]

So basically if it's an OEM installation though, I have to buy a Windows 7 disc and do an old install on the old drive?

Or perhaps I could clone the new drive to the old one...

If it is an OEM install, the product key is printed on it somewhere. You can use that.

Okay, I found the product key, but I still need the cd to reinstall right?

 

[USAFRet]

So basically if it's an OEM installation though, I have to buy a Windows 7 disc and do an old install on the old drive?

Or perhaps I could clone the new drive to the old one...

If it is an OEM install, the product key is printed on it somewhere. You can use that.

Okay, I found the product key, but I still need the cd to reinstall right?

Make your own DVD from an official ISO here:
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

Whatever version you have, Home Premium, Pro, whatever....download and burn it to a DVD.
Install from that, and activate with your existing key.