Windows 7 - Expediting Secondary Installation (W7)

I finally got around to ordering another copy of the same version of Windows 7 as on my primary rig, to install on my secondary one. I'm considering just making a backup copy of my primary installation, and restoring it on the secondary, then reactivating it with the new license key. but there are some differences in hardware in the secondary rig, which could effect whether the proper drivers are used.

I realize that a fresh clean install would be better, but being lazy, I thought this shortcut would be easier...would it?

It will not be as good. A clean install will eliminate any possible problem with virus and corruption.
You only have to bite the bullet once to have a great OS. Why take a short cut, now.

Trust me on this, you will really be happy if you take the little time that is required now, to give you months, probalby years of problem free use.

I sometimes move a HD to another matching-core machine to install an OS if I cannot boot from DVD or run from OS.

So far Windows 7 has worked perfectly after returning the HD to new hardware, changing out all the drivers in an impressive cascade punctuated by requests for restart.

I was braced for this to be problematic, ran many tests (chkdsk, HD scan, SFC, et al) and haven't had any performance issues at all when doing this.

It is worth a try if only to see the display put on when all the drivers change out.