Possibility of moving Windows 7 to new computer?

[bmn72390]

Last spring, I bought Windows 7 through the website for my old Compaq laptop. That laptop is now useless, and I've had to move on to a new Dell that currently runs on Windows Vista.

I would hate to wast $60 on an operating system I've used for only a year. I was wondering if anyone knew if there is a way to move my Windows 7 to my new laptop without having to rebuy the whole thing.

 

[Miranova23]

That copy is yours to use forever now. You can always use it without having to rebuy it. This is, as per the EULA, so long as you run the 1 product key to 1 computer. If the Compaq is deactivated (or wiped, etc.), then you again have that product key for use.

What form did you buy Win 7 in? (OEM, Full Retail, Upgrade, download???)
Do you still have the product key?


Or am I misunderstanding you that you are more concerned about transferring the system with files, etc intact?

 

[bmn72390]

I'll have to get the Windows 7 on the Compaq deactivated, which I'm sure won't be a problem.
As for how I bought my Win 7, is was an upgrade download. I'm honestly not sure if I have the product key, unfortunately. I hope this doesn't ruin my chances at getting the OS to my new computer.

I've already cleaned out the previous computer, and any files I do need are on my external hard drive. I just mainly want to update the OS so my computer can run smoother. Any programs I have now will be easily installable if I need to do so again.

I do have one question. This laptop has a partitioned hard drive, and I'm wondering if that will affect installation. There's 25GB on the C Drive, while the D Drive has 50GB to download program files and whatnot for personal use.

 

[gregrocker]

I would get the freshest start by clean installing Win7 on the Vista machine.

Everything you need is here to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 including the installer ISO to burn to DVD or write to flash stick. When you boot it it will see Vista to allow use of Upgrade version Key (if that's what it is) even though you should use the Custom drive options to delete all partitions.

To wipe the Compaq use Diskpart Clean Command from the booted Win7 installer DISKPART At PC Startup

 

[Miranova23]

Ah, but first make sure you retrieve the product key from the Compaq laptop, provided it is still bootable.

Try one of the alternative options listed here:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/153626-product-key-number-windows-7-find-see.html

If it is not bootable, then perhaps a call to Microsoft will be able to find it for you.