Question on installing windows 7 on another computer.


  1. aceconklin
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 home premium x64
       New #1

    Question on installing windows 7 on another computer.


    Hello everyone I'm new here. I just have a question. I'm currently building a new desktop and I would like if I wouldn't have to buy a new copy of windows. So my question is can I take the copy of windows 7 off another unused laptop and use it on this new build? The activation code and I have my own windows 7 CD. Also I'm not worried if I should or should't I just want to know if it would work. Or if windows somehow knows its not the computer it was originally installed on.

    Thanks for the help!

    -Dave
      My Computer
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  3. Brink
    Posts : 72,051
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #2

    Hello Dave, and welcome to Seven Forums.

    If that is an OEM copy of Windows 7 that came preinstalled on the laptop, then you will not be able to use or activate it on another computer since it is permanently tied to the motherboard of the first computer it was activated on.

    If that is a retail copy of Windows 7, then you will be able to install and activate it on another computer after you remove it from any other computer first.

    Hope this helps, :)
    Shawn
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  4. aceconklin
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 home premium x64
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    So for a new desktop build I will be needing a fresh copy of Windows 7. Okay thank you very much! Helped me save a lot of time and frustration!
      My Computer
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  6. Brink
    Posts : 72,051
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #4

    You're most welcome. :)
      My Computer
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  7. aceconklin
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 home premium x64
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    I appologize I do have another question. What if the person needed a new motherboard in that original computer? What would they do then?
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  8. Brink
    Posts : 72,051
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #6

    They could try and activate by phone. If it doesn't activate, then they could try explaining the situation to the phone activation operator to see if they may allow it to be activated.
      My Computer
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  10. aceconklin
    Posts : 4
    Windows 7 home premium x64
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    Great, thanks for the info!
      My Computer
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  11. Brink
    Posts : 72,051
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #8

    Anytime.
      My Computer
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