Transferring hdd to a new computer from a old one

[EthanP]

So i just built a new gaming computer, im planning on upgrading to windows 7, but in order to do that on a new hdd it would cost 200 dollars, but if it had a old windows os on the hdd it would cost 120 dollars, so what if i took a hdd from another computer w/ xp on it would i be able to use it and upgrade it to windows?
My problem is i have a new graphics card and processor would the old hdd have to have the drivers from the old processor and gpu removed from it, im not sure what im talking about because this is my first build and any help is appreciated

 

[Emerald]

You could go with an OEM version which is a full version

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&Description=windows%207%20OEM&bop=And&SrchInDesc=1-Pack&Page=1&PageSize=20

 

[buzznut]

So i just built a new gaming computer, im planning on upgrading to windows 7, but in order to do that on a new hdd it would cost 200 dollars, but if it had a old windows os on the hdd it would cost 120 dollars, so what if i took a hdd from another computer w/ xp on it would i be able to use it and upgrade it to windows?
My problem is i have a new graphics card and processor would the old hdd have to have the drivers from the old processor and gpu removed from it, im not sure what im talking about because this is my first build and any help is appreciated

Yes, you could upgrade to win7 if your PC has the hardware to support it. If you're not sure, Microsoft has an upgrade advisor which you could run first.
When you install the HDD in the new system, you won't be able to boot into windows unless you are using the same chipset on the motherboard, but that doesn't matter because you're doing a WIN7 install anyway. So you won't need to uninstall the old drivers.

First back up your current system. Then go ahead and install the hdd into the new machine. Take the oem windows7 software suggested above (or an upgrade will work just as well) and insert the disc. Follow the install routine and format the old drive. When windows starts for the fist time, turn on automatic updates and install all the updates suggested and you should be good to go.