Backup and Restore question

[Cyborg31]

If I create a backup of my current windows 7 installation (which is already activated) and use it to restore windows 7 on another drive (SSD), will I have to reactivate windows? Or is everything exactly as it was on my previous drive including activation?

If I change some further hardware such as my motherboard, and use the restore option, will it still function? I'm using an OEM version which I believe can only be activated once but I kinda want to upgrade some stuff...

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I think an SSD change would not cause any problems---a restore from an image to a new SSD would still be activated and have no issues.

But a motherboard change would violate the OEM license. I don't know if an attempted OEM image restore to a new motherboard would outright fail or if you simply would never be able to activate it.

 

[whs]

A motherboard change can be "negotiated" with Microsoft. If it was a one to one replacement because of a failure, they might reactivate you.

For moving to an SSD, you might want to read this: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html