Windows 7 Installation Problem

so last night my computer refused to power on. when I pressed the power button, the fan lights came on for a split second and then turned off. I spent this morning trying to get this working, but have since given up. Luckily, I have another machine of comparable quality, which leads me to a couple questions.

First, is there any way that I can use my old hard drive, which is already set up with windows 7, in my new machine? I feel like the issue here is one of drivers, and ive looked into this problem but couldn't seem to find much on it.

Second, I attempted to make a windows 7 USB to install windows 7 on my extra hard drive, but again ran into some issues where the install couldn't find the necessary drivers The mother board in the new machine is an ASUS M2N32 SLI Deluxe, but I can't seem to find the support cd online anywhere...am I SOL here?

Thanks,
Matt

This link should lead you to the drivers you need: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download

As for moving the Windows 7 HDD to the other computer, it depends whether you have an OEM version of Windows or a retail version.

The OEM version is tied to the motherboard in the computer it is installed in, but you might get away with it if you have a retail version.

That said, I think you're less likely to encounter problems if you're able to clean install Windows 7.

I got my copy of windows through MSDN via my school, so i believe that it is not OEM. Do you have any suggestions on where to look in order to do this kind of thing? also, in regards to the link you posted, I have tried most of the drivers available on this site, but it seem to not be helping me much. Is there something with the BIN files that im missing?

I'm not conversant with MSDN subscriptions, but you might find it has expired.

You could try buying student software if you are still in full-time or higher education.

OEM versions of Windows are cheap, but they are restricted to the computer they are installed on.

Retail versions mean you can transfer the license to another computer if you uninstall Windows from the old computer first.

As for your mobo drivers, if Asus haven't got any I don't know where else you can look other than the mobo manufacturer's site.

You can move the HD to the new computer to see if it will start up. If not boot free Paragon Adaptive Restore CD which will prepare it to boot on the new hardware by removing all drivers, SID, HID and activation. You'll have to reactivate if it starts.

Otherwise you can plug in the HD as secondary to access your data.

Ive tried booting from my HD, but it stops part way through the start up process. I tried getting the paragon CD, but I have to wait to get a trial version. My MSDN Subscription is still good, and I have another key for the same install if it doesnt work, but I haven't even got to the point where I'm being asked for a key. and I thought ASUS was the manufacturer?

In terms of trying to do a clean install on my extra HD, is there anything I can do to get the DLL's from the .bin file? or can Windows read the .bin files when it is attempting to install? I've honestly never run into a problem with this before, so I am completely lost. I would imagine that the drivers should be available somewhere, but i dont know.

Easiest way to write ISO to stick is using Universal USB Installer with Win7 in dropdown menu, then boot under USB, Removable or HD's on one-time BIOS Boot Menu.

There is no reason the key shouldn't work when reactivated, after the hardware changes are recorded in MS Activation servers. Keys are good for life and can migrate at will.

How long do you have to wait for PAR, and why? Maybe you can find a better link. It always works for me.

@profdlp I kind of assumed the same which is why I would rather try to get this other machine running since i dont really have the funds at this time to buy a new PS even if i know thats the problem. If i can scrounge one up though, i may give it a shot.

@greg I have a working windows 7 ISO on a USB already, and I just realized that the .bin files I had were for updates(to be used with an already working machine) Other than that, I cant seem to find the drivers anywhere, it may be that this mobo is just too old for windows 7 support, Im not sure. I will continue my search, but for now I think Im just going to be trying to swap components between my two machines and see if i can get a working configuration

Thanks for all your help guys!

Matt