Can I transfer my windows 7 if i have to replace MB or HD?

[the0racle]

Last summer I loaded a purchased copy of Windows 7 onto my daughters computer. Her hard drive is becoming unstable and I will need to replace it can I somehow transfer the OS to the new HD or am I stuck shelling out more $$ for another program? Thanks

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Assuming you have the 25 character Product Key that comes with any legitimate copy of Windows 7, you won't have to buy anything. Just back up her data, reinstall Windows on the new drive, and then restore the data.

You could also try to clone or image the existing installation to the new drive rather than do a fresh install. I'd do a clean install unless it would be a major ordeal.

If you also have to replace the motherboard, you may have to get a new Windows license IF your existing license is OEM. Sometimes, Microsoft will generously let you re-activate an existing license on a new motherboard even if it is OEM, but I wouldn't count on that.

I likely wouldn't attempt a clone or image if I had to replace the motherboard.

If you don't have to replace the motherboard, no problem at all as long as you have the Product Key.

 

[whs]

Of course you can transfer the OS. You need not even reactivate it. Just make an image of all partitions on the drive in one run and restore that image to the new drive.

If it is a laptop, you will need an external Sata enclosure that attaches via USB to house the new disk for the transfer. Those enclosures are not expensive. If you tell me whether this is a 2.5" disk or a 3.5" disk I find you one.

For the imaging and restoration read and watch this tutorial carefully. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[the0racle]

thanks

Thanks for the information. I am pretty sure the HD is going bad and not the MB. Yes I do have the key so hopefully will be no problem.