Can I Uninstall Win7 32-bit Ultimate & Transfer to Another PC?

[RickV]

After using Win7 Ultimate (and registering it) on my netbook I have realized I prefer to build a higher level desktop and use the Win7 for it. Can I legally uninstall the Win7 and re-install it on the desktop after I build it or, simply use the SSD for the new desktop?

Please advise regarding my best option. Note I will probably install a Linux variant on the netbook as this should improve its performance.

 

[Brink]

Hello Rick,

If this is a retail copy of Windows 7, then yes you could uninstall it and install/activate on any PC.

If this is an OEM copy of Windows 7, the sorry no. An OEM copy is permanently tied to the motherboard of the computer it was first activated on.

Hope this helps.

 

[RickV]

Brink,

Not an OEM, review Option 3 (from SevenForums) here:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html


This gives me the indication I simply transfer the SSD and be okay too.


Thanks,

Rick

 

[Brink]

Sure, as long as it's a retail copy (full or upgrade), you would be able to.

 

[RickV]

My CD explicitly states it is not for Retail or OEM distribution (I am classified as faculty at a university). Presumably, this gives me the green light to uninstall/reinstall on another system if I determine this to be necessary. The difficulty is this is the 32-but version so, not the best choice for newer hardware.

I have decided I will install a compact Linux distribution on this 1000H. Knoppix (not the Linux distro of choice for HD install.) comes to mind for me in view of its history and reputation. A dual-boot netbook may resolve issues for me. I do not know for certain and need to analyze improving my N270 machine further.

 

[Brink]

That would be a student copy of Windows that's basically the same as a retail copy.

Yes, you would be able to install and activate it on any computer so long as it's not installed on more than on computer at the same time.

 

[RickV]

Thanks for the confirmation Brink. I am aware the OS cannot be installed on two pc's at once. I just need to figure out how best to improve the performance of this N270.

 

[Brink]

If you like, the items in the tutorial below may help improve performance some.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html

 

[RickV]

Brink,

Thanks for the reference it looks good! I will add this to my required list of reading to see if it can help.

 

[gregrocker]

In addition if you'd like to move the SSD to the differnt hardware as you mentioned then if it will not start (as can be expected in most cases) you can Adjust Win7 to boot on new hardware with Paragon Adaptive Restore CD.

Once it's adjusted at most it may need a Startup Repair.

Once Win7 starts, it will swap out all drivers in a cascade you should monitor from the animation in the bottom right System tray. If this does not start then reboot the PC until it does. Several reboots will be requested. Once all drivers are swapped, Enable hardware auto-updating via Windows Update (Steps 3 and 6) to Check for Updates, install all Important and Optional Updates to get newer drivers and vital performance and security patches.