Windows 7 install to a new hard drive, will the key be registered?

sipjca · 30 Dec 2012

I am building a new computer, moving my SSD and one of my hard drives to that new system. I plan on upgrading that to Windows 8, since I already have a Windows 7 install on it.

I have created a system image of my current Windows 7 install hoping that I can use an Install DVD to make the system image work. Do I need to have another key for the image? I bought the family pack of 3 upgrades, and all of those have been used up. The Windows 7 install will just be on a different hard drive but all of the other hardware in the computer will remain the same. The original install of Windows was an OEM copy of Vista Ultimate 64bit if that matters. Will there be any problems in doing this, or will the key remain registered, or will I have to call up Microsoft?

My other question is can I just do a clean install of Windows 7, deactivate the current key and then reuse it on the same system?

Thanks,
sip

Bongo · 02 Jan 2013

Welcome to the Seven Forums

What are you using to make a image of your Windows 7 install?

If all you are changing is the hard drive you should be okay with that key.

And if you decide to do a clean install then yes deactivating it and reusing it on the same system will be okay.

Jerry

sipjca · 02 Jan 2013

I just used the built in Microsoft tool.

Thanks!

Bongo · 02 Jan 2013

I was just checking to make sure how you backed up your image but using the built-in Windows 1 you should be able use your DVD install disk to do the recovery.
System Recovery Options

Jerry

sipjca · 05 Jan 2013

I managed to do a restore and it worked perfectly except that my hard drive which is 500Gb appears that it is only 120Gb as my SSD was previously. Is there anyway to fix this without reformatting and doing a clean install?

Derp: I figured it out just by going into partition manager.

Bongo · 05 Jan 2013

Good to hear you got it.

Jerry