Windows 7: Transfering the entire HDD.

Hello again, sorry for the trouble.

So, recently, my friend gave me his computer because he has upgraded his system and I found out that his PC is the exact same spec as my computer BUT his PC got 2 more extra RAM slot than me so, I was wondering to transfer my entire PC into one with his. I suppose, I can give it to a max of 6GB of RAM but the problem is...

Due to my lack of HDD and space, I can't afford to do a backup for all the files which I want to backup and, I was wondering...

1.) Can I just transfer my HDD with Windows 7 inside into his PC and use like normal?
2.) Will my files will be inside after the transfer?
3.) Is a fresh-install really needed?

Thanks for viewing and sorry for my stupid question.

There are a couple of factors.

1. Win 7 might be ok on the new hardware if it is very similar - you will need to try and see.

If not, there are special programs to make it bootable on different hardware - Paragon adaptive restore is the best.

2. You need a windows product key that allows you to move it to another pc.

You have ultimate so I assume you have.

the HDD is wat holds ure data as long as ure hdd goes in ure data will be there, imagine it like a massive pendrive, with ure windows and ure files on it,
1. yes u can transfer the HDD
2, yes ure files will be there
3, NO need to format at all

u may need some addtional drivers installed if ure using a diff graphics card etc but the main thing is ure files will be there

Hi, 1137.

I think that you would find it very useful to look into Windows Easy Transfer. It is pre-installed on every copy of Windows 7 and can be downloaded for both Windows Vista and Windows XP.

PLEASE use proper english when posting a reply to someone. Many folks here do not use english as a first language, let alone "slang" english.

If these are branded PCs (HP, Dell, etc.) then no, what you propose will not work. The copy of 7 on them is licensed for that hardware only.

If you purchased a retail copy of 7, then yes, it may work. It will have to be activated again once it is able to install new drivers for the hardware (this should happen automatically).

When you say "2 more extra RAM slot" do you mean the actual slots on the motherboard or the amount of RAM installed?
Can't see why you'd want to do what you propose if there's just 2 extra gigs of RAM, why not just transfer them to your own motherboard?

As stated if the installed Windows 7 has a retail license which can be transferred to another machine, then first try booting the HD by itself in the new machine.

if it will not boot, move it back to the original machine and SysPrep the HD following these steps to make it start on new hardware: SysPrep to move HD to another computer

Hi, Gornot. Thanks for replying. I mean, currently my board has only got 2 slots for my RAM. I have installed 2GB of RAM each but as for the another board, it has 4 slots and has a sum up of 3.5GB of RAM so, if I am able to do a full transfer successful, I think/can install up to at least 6GB of RAM to the total of 4 slots summing up.
I know it's kinda' troublesome to do all those but, I guess I can use that other computer's 160GB HDD too. Money for me is rather tight here so, gotta' try and use whatever I got. =)

And lastly, thank you guys for all the great softwares being posted here to help me and let me know with regards to the licensing part. I will pay attention to them and will start trying once at the weekend.

A big thank you to, gregrocker, MacGyvr, BriceH, SIW2, kaos2011 and Gornot. All reps are sent. <3