New
#1
Replacing motherboard and hard drive--need to move Win 7 Ult to new HD
I recently obtained a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate through Microsoft's "Get Genuine Online" program, having previously bought a counterfeit copy online. My motherboard has developed several serious issues--the SATA ports will NOT work, and I'm having to set the RTC every time I power the system up. I've exchanged several emails with Biostar, which manufactured my motherboard, and they are of the opinion that it is defective. I have obtained a replacement MB of the EXACT same make and model (although a different version number), and will be installing it very shortly.
I am also preparing to replace my hard drive, as it is beginning to show its age (SpeedFan indicates a SMART fitness level of 86%). The replacement drive will be a Seagate 1 TB 7200 RPM SATA drive. I also have an external hard drive enclosure, which I will use with the old hard drive to transfer the files and settings over.
From what I have read online, both here and on Microsoft's website, I don't think I have any license problems to worry about, since I am replacing a defective motherboard with the same make and model. What I am concerned about, however, is how to go about transplanting, as it were, Windows 7 and my files from my old hard drive to the new one. How do you suggest I proceed? Thanks in advance for your time and assistance.