Windows 7: Transfering HDD with Win7 Professional upgrade to new computer...

So I've built myself a new computer even though I really didn't need to, and want to transfer my HDD over to the new setup. I have an OEM copy of Windows 7 Home Premium (got it from HP with my current rig), and was unsure of how to proceed. I have heard from various tutorials here that reactivating an OEM version on a new motherboard ranges from difficult to impossible, and I don't want to have to do a clean install of a new OS and reinstall several hundred gigabytes of programs. Would it be possible to upgrade to Windows 7 Professional (at the student price) and then transfer the OS, or would it still count as an OEM version because that's what it's upgrading?

Once I upgrade (if that is indeed what I have to do) I would use this tutorial to swap the HDD over. Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, I'm new here xD

Thanks in advance!

There is no way to move the activation which is locked to the HP mobo, however you can move the installation and reactivate it with a new Home Premium retail OEM key.

You can try to boot the HD on the new hardware but it may not start. In that case you'll need to SysPrep the Windows 7 installation on the old hardware to remove all drivers, Hardware ID's, Security ID's, and Activation which will allow it to start on the new hardware, and then be activated.

Alternative methods are to boot Paragon Adaptive Restore CD on the new hardware to Adjust PNP drivers on Windows 7 so it starts. You can also apply a Windows 7 backup image with PAR CD that does the same thing. Or you can backup an image with Acronis True Image 2010+ versions with Universal Restore that will adjust to the new hardware as it is reimaged from boot onto it.

So upgrading the OEM version will not allow it to be transferred, I would have to buy a new OEM key and then upgrade on the new comp? Darn. :/

Sometimes they make exceptions such as if it's installed on the wrong mobo, or the mobo goes south shortly after purchasing the OEM. You can use phone activation and give it your best try. How To Activate Windows 7 by Phone Step-by-Step Guide

No the old motherboard isn't dead or anything, just... old... er than I would like. I was hoping that since I would be taking the hard drive (thus rendering the old machine unuseable) I would be able to get away with not buying a new liscense. Ah well....

I would certainly try reactivation using Phone method, as others have reported good news there.

YOu can also SysPrep Windows 7 on the old hardware before moving it to assure it will start up on the new: SysPrep to move HD to another computer

I will, thanks for the advice. Once sysprep-ed it will start up and I'll be able to use it, just need to activate it within a few days right?

Yes, follow the steps exactly and if you have any questions ask our SysPrep Guru Kari who wrote the tutorial.

Alright thanks, I'll let you know how it goes...