Reusing Windows 7 SSD in New Computer

[ryanw135]

I am soon going to order the parts for my first computer build. I did not have enough money in my budget to include an SSD. I have a fairly new Dell Studio XPS desktop that isn't being used by anyone. It has an SSD with Windows 7 on it, and I was wondering if I could reuse this SSD to save myself the cost of buying another copy of Windows 7. Is this possible, and if so, how would I go about doing this?

Thanks!

 

[Bassim Ansari]

You can always use any SSD on any motherboard and system, by taking it out and putting it in the other motherboard.

All you have to do is give it a power supply and connection to the new motherboard and then install fresh windows on it.

 

[zink1701]

Yes you can but you will need to re install windows 7 using the key from the other machine. Just pull out the drive and install into new machine and run win7 DVD or USB. Format the drive and install (make backup of any data you want to keep before doing this)

 

[Y0GI]

A new computer will require a new copy of Windows

 

[DarkSable]

You do not need a new copy of windows, no.

Reinstall windows, using the same key - it will fail to validate, and at that point you call microsoft, explain that you're a system builder and did an upgrade, and they should let you activate it just fine.

 

[Tom Tancredi]

I am soon going to order the parts for my first computer build. I did not have enough money in my budget to include an SSD. I have a fairly new Dell Studio XPS desktop that isn't being used by anyone. It has an SSD with Windows 7 on it, and I was wondering if I could reuse this SSD to save myself the cost of buying another copy of Windows 7. Is this possible, and if so, how would I go about doing this?

Thanks!

The DELL copy of Windows 7 is only sold with THAT Dell Studio XPS model, period. No other systems can use it, and will FAIL TO LOAD. If you going to use a new computer you need to use a new copy of Windows (clean install).

Now you CAN save your 'data' from the Dell, by using a external drive and Windows Easy Transfer. It will backup your files and settings, then you can run WET on the new computer and restore it. But if your changing from x32 to x64 or Win7 to Win8 it won't put it back 'the same exact way' because there is alot of differences in x32 vs x64 and 7vs8. You will have the stuff placed in your My Docs, Vids, Pics, etc. but that is it.