Windows 8.1 Transfer

[NotsogoodwithPCs]

I'm sure this is a question that everyone asks, but I need this answered ASAP cause I need to know whether or not I need to purchase another windows or potentially save $100.

So I bought Windows 8.1 Full Version roughly 4 years ago or so when I was building my first computer and have just now wanted to make the swap onto a new motherboard with overall better specs.

My question here is, seeing as how I've misplaced the disc...if I transfer my current HDD onto my new motherboard, will the motherboard automatically boot up because it's a full version of 8.1 and function properly? Or am I going to have to contact Microsoft for the product key to have it boot up properly when it asks for an operating system? Or am I going to run into all sorts of problems because I'm transferring my HDD.

I can't really find a specific answer and I really need this answered before spending anymore money :/

Thank you.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm sure this is a question that everyone asks, but I need this answered ASAP cause I need to know whether or not I need to purchase another windows or potentially save $100.

So I bought Windows 8.1 Full Version roughly 4 years ago or so when I was building my first computer and have just now wanted to make the swap onto a new motherboard with overall better specs.

My question here is, seeing as how I've misplaced the disc...if I transfer my current HDD onto my new motherboard, will the motherboard automatically boot up because it's a full version of 8.1 and function properly? Or am I going to have to contact Microsoft for the product key to have it boot up properly when it asks for an operating system? Or am I going to run into all sorts of problems because I'm transferring my HDD.

I can't really find a specific answer and I really need this answered before spending anymore money :/

Thank you.

Does the system still work?
If so, install and run Belarc Advisor. That will probably discover your 8.1 license key.
Then, go to MS and download/create a bootable USB or DVD.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

Boot from that with the new hardware, and install.

 

[NotsogoodwithPCs]

I'm sure this is a question that everyone asks, but I need this answered ASAP cause I need to know whether or not I need to purchase another windows or potentially save $100.

So I bought Windows 8.1 Full Version roughly 4 years ago or so when I was building my first computer and have just now wanted to make the swap onto a new motherboard with overall better specs.

My question here is, seeing as how I've misplaced the disc...if I transfer my current HDD onto my new motherboard, will the motherboard automatically boot up because it's a full version of 8.1 and function properly? Or am I going to have to contact Microsoft for the product key to have it boot up properly when it asks for an operating system? Or am I going to run into all sorts of problems because I'm transferring my HDD.

I can't really find a specific answer and I really need this answered before spending anymore money :/

Thank you.

Does the system still work?
If so, install and run Belarc Advisor. That will probably discover your 8.1 license key.
Then, go to MS and download/create a bootable USB or DVD.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

Boot from that with the new hardware, and install.

Yes the computer still works, the one I'm currently using atm. But if I transfer my current HDD to my new motherboard, will that create problems? Or its best to simply download windows 8.1 onto the usb as you suggested and simply purchase a new HDD.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes the computer still works, the one I'm currently using atm. But if I transfer my current HDD to my new motherboard, will that create problems? Or its best to simply download windows 8.1 onto the usb as you suggested and simply purchase a new HDD.

Just moving the current drive with the OS is likely to cause issues.
The physical drive is fine, but it will probably need a clean OS install.

Either way, it will become Unactivated with the new hardware. Hence, discovering your current license key.

 

[NotsogoodwithPCs]

Yes the computer still works, the one I'm currently using atm. But if I transfer my current HDD to my new motherboard, will that create problems? Or its best to simply download windows 8.1 onto the usb as you suggested and simply purchase a new HDD.

Just moving the current drive with the OS is likely to cause issues.
The physical drive is fine, but it will probably need a clean OS install.

Either way, it will become Unactivated with the new hardware. Hence, discovering your current license key.

One final question, is there anyway to know for sure in Belarc if the key I purchased is full versioned? I have the order confirmation when I purchased it years ago via Amazon from the seller being Microsoft themselves. But I just want to be certain

 

[USAFRet]

Yes the computer still works, the one I'm currently using atm. But if I transfer my current HDD to my new motherboard, will that create problems? Or its best to simply download windows 8.1 onto the usb as you suggested and simply purchase a new HDD.

Just moving the current drive with the OS is likely to cause issues.
The physical drive is fine, but it will probably need a clean OS install.

Either way, it will become Unactivated with the new hardware. Hence, discovering your current license key.

One final question, is there anyway to know for sure in Belarc if the key I purchased is full? I have the order confirmation when I purchased it years ago via Amazon from the seller being Microsoft themselves. But I just want to be certain

In Belarc, it will show the actual ProductID as well as the license key. This is different than the license key.

The license key is 6 groups of 5 characters.
The Product ID is different. If that includes the characters "OEM"...that what you have. an OEM license.

 

[NotsogoodwithPCs]

Yes the computer still works, the one I'm currently using atm. But if I transfer my current HDD to my new motherboard, will that create problems? Or its best to simply download windows 8.1 onto the usb as you suggested and simply purchase a new HDD.

Just moving the current drive with the OS is likely to cause issues.
The physical drive is fine, but it will probably need a clean OS install.

Either way, it will become Unactivated with the new hardware. Hence, discovering your current license key.

One final question, is there anyway to know for sure in Belarc if the key I purchased is full? I have the order confirmation when I purchased it years ago via Amazon from the seller being Microsoft themselves. But I just want to be certain

In Belarc, it will show the actual ProductID as well as the license key. This is different than the license key.

The license key is 6 groups of 5 characters.
The Product ID is different. If that includes the characters "OEM"...that what you have. an OEM license.

You are a freaking livesaver omg. Just saved me roughly $100. Thank you soooo much for this.

 

[USAFRet]

Good luck!