how to reinstall win7 from HDD to SSD without losing activation key

[gouvrit]

I built a new computer, got a new 2tb hdd and a new win7 license . It's installed.

In a few months, when I can afford it, I'll get a SSD and I would want to change my windows installation there and keep the hdd for data storage only.

How do you do this with Win7 and the activation process? How do I migrate my license?
Can I inactivate my license, install in new hdd, and reactivate in the new SSD? How?

thanks

 

[Anshad Edavana]

I built a new computer, got a new 2tb hdd and a new Windows 7 license

Changing HDD or re-installing Windows won't void your license. You can either perform a clean install or a migration.

Clean install:

Simply install Windows to the SSD, activate it and then format the old HDD. You will also need to re-install all applications and all updates.

Migration :

You can use the trial version of "Paragon Backup and Recovery Home" to migrate the installed OS to SSD. All the installed apps and activation will be preserved.

Solved How to Migrate OS to new Hard disk.

Above example is originally written for "8" but the same applies to "7".


Whether you prefer a clean install or migration, make sure not to run any kind of disk defragmentation programs. Doing so will affect both performance and durability of a SSD. Also install the latest "Chipset" driver to improve SSD compatibility.

AMD Chipset Drivers

 

[gouvrit]

awesome, thanks.

 

[AddRAM]

Macrium also works perfectly

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html

 

[cmmtch]

I used an image from backup and restore, if you have a spare HDD sitting around you could perform a backup with an image before you install your SSD and then boot with the Win7 CD and perform the restore function that way. Remove the existing OS drive from the computer before doing this for it to work properly. I didn't see a screen asking for the license key when I did it that way.

 

[AddRAM]

Great point, if you don`t remove the original drive, windows just wants to put the image back on that drive.