Is this possible?

[arduinoma]

I am looking to install windows 7 on my computer with vista. I had downloaded windows 7 onto my laptop and the laptop recently died, but I salvaged the hdd and I can access the files on it. I was wondering if it was possible to install windows 7 on this other computer with vista using the windows 7 files that I downloaded onto my laptops hdd, and if so how would I go about doing this. Thanks.

 

[kegobeer]

What do you mean by you downloaded Windows 7 onto your laptop? Did you download an ISO from Microsoft when you purchased the key? Is this an upgrade version you downloaded?

 

[arduinoma]

It was through my university, UMass. I'm pretty sure I downloaded an ISO and installed windows 7 with that and then I needed to call them to obtain a key. This was a while ago, and I do not know where the iso is now...is there somewhere specific I should look for it?

 

[kegobeer]

Check out this post for instructions.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

To answer your original question, you can't copy the Windows files from one hard drive to another to install Windows. You need the installation files on a Windows 7 disc or ISO.

 

[gregrocker]

You should always download ISO's to the Downloads folder so you'l have them with your other installers. For the Win7 installer you should burn it to DVD or write to flash stick as given in above tutorial so you can use it for booted install and repairs.

 

[arduinoma]

Thanks captain obvious. I know that now...

 

[gregrocker]

Well almost no one knows about it, MS hides the folder from the Start menu, so it isn't all that obvious.

But it's a tip that some appreciate.