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Cloning Windows 7 OEM with 2nd license code onto a new computer?
Is it possible to clone an existing Windows 7 pro OEM registered harddrive onto a different new computer, then just change the product key using the 2nd new OEM license code? Am hoping for an alternative to reinstalling everything new again plus our local computer shop has closed down where the first computer was purchased.
Have a nicely running Windows 7 Pro OEM registered computer and ordered another new computer(newer different hardware) with a 2nd Windows 7 Pro OEM license.
Already own and installed one license of the 3-pack versions of Office 2007 Home and 3-pack of Bitdender Interent Security 2011(had huge install issues almost destroyed my existing Windows install, took weeks to get everything working again). Plus various other freeware software setups, documents, pictures, home movies, etc. Another big hurdle to a full clean install is our unreliable and slow 30/k internet download speed out in the country.
Searched around this forum and this good post below by GregRocker detailing cloning BEFORE activation but we have already activated and do not want to invalidate one of my two OEM licenses.
Cloning Windows 7
Since you say you want to do this legally, then do you have a second license for Windows 7 Home Premium to use on your desktop?
If so, you can use a drive imaging software to copy and then reimage to the desktop. Macrium Reflect freeware is good.
After reimaging, all drivers will changeout with several requests for restart. Then immediately go to Computer>Properties activation link and change the product key to your second license. The license which you have reimaged to the desktop with Windows 7 Home Premium will not work on that hardware configuration.
If the key is rejected, use the robocall option to see if your second license will activate. If you speak with a MS agent, tell them you just installed Home Premium on the machine and want to install the key which came with it. Do not use the word "clone" or "image" to MS as they are allergic to it.
If this fails to work, then you need to run a simple Repair Install from the desktop to re-acclimate Windows 7 to the new hardware and reset activation so it will accept the legal key for that same version of Windows 7.
Any help would be appreciated,