Using a system image

I'm new to this forum, but it looks like a lot of intelligent Windows users are here....

My question is about using a system image in Windows 7 to transfer everthing on my PC to a new, larger hard drive. Looking at the Microsoft web site it looks quite easy to place my system image on an intermediary external drive, then boot off a system repair DVD and transfer the system image from the external drive to the new blank hard drive.

Just thinking this through, what prevents a person from doing this (albeit not legitimate) to run the same copy of Windows 7 on 2 PC's simultaneously? I'm not planning on doing this--I just want to know that Windows 7 on my new hard drive will be fully legitimate, also given the fact it's a Win 7 Upgrade. The copy on the old hard drive won't be used anymore, but how does Microsoft prevent me from sticking it in another PC and using it?

I'm trying to understand the elaborate measures that are taken to prevent someone from getting something for free!

Thanks for any info.

WIndows is always checking hardware for changes and may require reactivation above a certain threshhold of hardware changes. For retail Win7, this is as simple as refreshing the hardware signature in MS computers during reactivation.

Sometimes when the hardware changes are minor - like only the HD - reactivation is not even required.

Thanks for the reply. How is Windows 7 reactivated if I'm asked to do that?

MS has a 3 pronged strategy to counter illegal use of its products- Education (creating awareness about counterfeit products), Engineering (designing tools to detect) and Enforcement (teaming with local authorities to catch thieves). Read more here.

Microsoft and Consumers Take Action Against Global Software Piracy: Initiatives to protect consumers launched in more than 70 countries on Consumer Action Day.

codad said:

Thanks for the reply. How is Windows 7 reactivated if I'm asked to do that?

Insert the Product Key at Computer>Properties.

Call MS at number provided if necessary, normally a robocall to trade numbers which update hardware signature.

Thx to all for the good info....