Solved Move 7 Pro Upgrade to new machine

[cfourkays]

Licensed Windows 7 Pro is on my home built machine.

The OS on this machine started as Windows XP Professional, full version, not upgrade.
Upgraded to Vista, upgraded to Windows 7 Pro, all on the same machine.
A couple of new HD's, no problems.

I'm finally building a new machine and going to install the 7 Pro Upgrade.
I could move the HD from my old machine want all new.

What do I need to know?

Thanks,
Pete

 

[gregrocker]

Since the underlying XP is full version and can migrate freely, it qualifies you to use Win7 Pro upgrade version (which can also migrate freely) on the new rig.

Nor does the XP need to be installed to serve as qualifier - you only need to not use it or use it as a qualifier for any other OS while it is serving as qualifier for the new rig.

To install upon a new HD leave the Product Key blank when first asked, then after install do the quick registry workaround given here to activate Upgrade version on a new or cleaned HD. Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

If the HD has another OS on it, the installer will see it to allow Upgrade version key upfront even if you go on to use Custom install>Drive Options to Delete, Create new and Format partitions.

I've compiled a series of steps to get a perfect reinstall based on hundreds done here - use the ones which apply to your situation: Reinstalling Windows 7

After double in-place Upgrades you should really enjoy the difference with Win7 in it's native clean-installed state!

 

[cfourkays]

Just what I was looking for.
Couldn't remember the step about leaving the Product Key blank.
If I remember, there was a lot of chatter about this right after the last Windows 7 RC.

Many thanks,

Pete