Changing HD's from one computer to another ...

Bamaluver · 03 Aug 2013

I had an HP (G50-N112NR) with a bad hard drive (running Vista). I had a Toshiba Satellite L305D-S5974 with a problem with the MB (running Windows 7). Today, I switched out the HD's - putting the one from the Toshiba into the HP (the HP had the dead HD). It booted up beautifully, seems to be working fine, ran a windows update, etc. The question is: Should I expect future problems from this HD trade? Both OS were factory installed in the machines and of course, I only have a recovery disk for Win7.

Bongo · 03 Aug 2013

Welcome to the Seven Forums

Windows will check to see if it's genuine sometime soon and it will see a different computer and it will tell you it's not genuine.

Your 2 computer came with windows preinstalled and are tried to them.
If you can read your COA sticker you can install Vista back on it.

Jerry

Bamaluver · 03 Aug 2013

Thanks for the quick response Jerry! Quick question -- if I can read the sticker on the bottom (it's a bit worn, but I'll get out the magnifying glass) :), how can I re-install it without the original disk? Secondly, if I can't, would it be less expensive to try to "upgrade" from Vista to Windows 7 (didn't I see there's an upgrade disk you could buy for that instead of purchasing the full blown Win7 program)? With my limited computer knowledge, I greatly appreciate your help!!!

Bongo · 03 Aug 2013

Have a look at this thread Vista ISO download it has a link to the files and how to make a DVD. If you can do it it will save you $$.

If that's to hard then the cheapest way to go is get a OEM version of Windows Home Premium it's about $100 at newegg or $90 at tigerdirect right now.

Jerry

Bamaluver · 04 Aug 2013

Thanks Jerry -- what I'd like to do is just move that computer to Win7 via the "upgrade" if possible. If I can make a DVD or USB copy (via the link you provided), I'll then need to go to HP and download the proper drivers, correct?

Bongo · 05 Aug 2013

I'm not sure if you can upgrade to Windows 7 with that different hard drive because technically it came with XP and not Windows 7 but I'm not sure, you may be able to buy an upgrade from your XP license to Windows 7.
I just did a little googling and it don't look like there is a upgrade from XP to Windows 7 so you are most likely going to have to purchase a OEM version.

Yes you would have to go to HP's website to get the proper drivers.

Jerry

Bamaluver · 05 Aug 2013

Actually, the HP came with Vista (not XP) -- would that make a difference?

Bongo · 05 Aug 2013

I just looked at Amazon and an upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 Home Premium is $115.63 so a OEM is still cheaper from newegg or tigerdirect.

Jerry

Bamaluver · 05 Aug 2013

Thanks Jerry -- would this work and if so, what would would happen to the factory installed Win7 that's on the hard drive already (that wants to be activated)? Would I simply write over it or would I have to remove it before I do a clean install with a purchased version (this link caught my eye because it was an "HP" Windows 7)? And wondering if my older HP will support a 64 bit? Here are the specs for my older HP: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...roduct=3808646

HP Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit OEM Full Version
HP Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit OEM Full Version - Authorized Dealer for Pc's and Software Pc Connection Inc

Bongo · 06 Aug 2013

I would do a clean install, have a look at this tutorial it will explain a lot
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

It looks like 64-bit will work on your computer the link you provided for your specs showed they have drivers for Windows 7 64-bit.

The website you linked to the Windows 7 professional looks like one of those too good to be true things, at newegg , Windows 7 professional OEM is just under $140 so I would not trust that site at all.

Jerry