Installing On Another Hard Drive?

Alright, so after a few days of hardware checking I've determined that the cause of my computer being as messed up as it is is the hard drive.

Seagate's own SeaTools says it failed the drive tests, and I'm gonna have to call them later and get an RMA on it.

Well, how would I go about installing Windows 7 on my replacement hard drive? I've installed and activated it a few times on this same drive, but I think that's because the activation system detects the exact same hardware, therefore it lets me keep activating it.

If I put in a different hard drive, though, won't it see it as a different computer and deny me the chance to activate it? (Same goes with my OEM Student version of Office 2007)

So what would you guys suggest? Can I de-activate it from one computer then activate it on another? or what?

You shouldn't have any problems swapping the drive. If it doesn't activate over the internet, just call Microsoft.

Hmm, what determines if you're allowed to activate it, then?

drfsupercenter said:

Hmm, what determines if you're allowed to activate it, then?

Hey drs

You are allowed to make some component changes before that auto activate stops. Usually you can change two major components, like cpu, and mobo. Try it, the worst that can happen is that you have to call them

Ken

Right, but that's if the OS is already installed.

If I just do a flat-out clean install on the brand new hard drive, it'll still detect it as the same system?

The problem with calling them is then if I ever need to reinstall it again I'll have to keep calling them over and over... unless they can just permanently switch it?

(With the amount I've messed up this computer it wouldn't surprise me if I'll need to install it at least once again in the future LOL)

LOL. How much more reassurance are you seeking?

Changing the HD will be fine.

If you change the mobo - Windows thinks it's on a new machine .

OK, so it doesn't count hard drives as a "new system"?

Nice to know. I just ordered the replacement drive, Seagate had an option for 2-day advance replacement for $20... I took that route so I'm not without a computer. So when it comes in a couple days we'll see.