Replacing motherboard and hard drive--need to move Win 7 Ult to new HD

[GlamRockCowboy]

I recently obtained a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate through Microsoft's "Get Genuine Online" program, having previously bought a counterfeit copy online. My motherboard has developed several serious issues--the SATA ports will NOT work, and I'm having to set the RTC every time I power the system up. I've exchanged several emails with Biostar, which manufactured my motherboard, and they are of the opinion that it is defective. I have obtained a replacement MB of the EXACT same make and model (although a different version number), and will be installing it very shortly.

I am also preparing to replace my hard drive, as it is beginning to show its age (SpeedFan indicates a SMART fitness level of 86%). The replacement drive will be a Seagate 1 TB 7200 RPM SATA drive. I also have an external hard drive enclosure, which I will use with the old hard drive to transfer the files and settings over.

From what I have read online, both here and on Microsoft's website, I don't think I have any license problems to worry about, since I am replacing a defective motherboard with the same make and model. What I am concerned about, however, is how to go about transplanting, as it were, Windows 7 and my files from my old hard drive to the new one. How do you suggest I proceed? Thanks in advance for your time and assistance.

 

[gregrocker]

It sounds like you now have a retail copy of Win7 which can migrate to any other hardware you want whenever you please. It's only locked to a mobo when you have preinstalled Factory OEM or Builder's OEM copy.

Was this counterfeit an OEM copy which MS replaced also with an OEM copy?

If not then there are no worries, just stick with these same basic steps which cover everything to get a perfect Clean Reinstall.

 

[GlamRockCowboy]

The package is specifically labeled, "For use on one computer or device," so I'd say it's more than likely an OEM version or something similar. Microsoft's own web page, though, said that when a motherboard is being replaced because it is defective, AND IS BEING REPLACED WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL (which mine is!), a new license is NOT necessary! That being the case, how should I proceed?

 

[gregrocker]

That only means you can only have it installed on one PC at a time. Retail Win7 can migrate as often as you want. You can ask MS Customer Service whether its OEM for sure.

But you are correct that replacing the mobo with the same model will allow you to reactivate with an OEM version anyway.

 

[Britton30]

I have replaced a motherboard with identical model and I didn't even have to re-activate w7. I did however use the same HDD and OS from the first board.

 

[GlamRockCowboy]

So should I just install the new motherboard, install win 7 Ult on my new hard drive, and then just transfer the files and settings over from the old hard drive, or what? Also, do I need to contact Microsoft about this?

 

[gregrocker]

Why would you need to contact MS? Did they give you a Product Key to replace the counterfeit?

Follow the same steps given in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to prepare for, get and keep a perfect reinstall using the tools and methods that work best for Win7.

 

[GlamRockCowboy]

It came with its own COA and product key, as far as I can tell. Anyhow, I'll look over the article you recommended, and then go from there.

 

[AddRAM]

A clean install is the best method possible. You are replacing the hard drive, so that`s the way to go, but if you really wanted to you can transfer the OS from the old drive to the new one. It`s totally up to you.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/135077-windows-7-installation-transfer-new-computer.html

 

[GlamRockCowboy]

One bit of clarification--I was planning on reinstalling the various application programs (LibreOffice, Firefox, etc.), and then copying the document and data files from the old hard drive to the new. I already figured I'd have to do that, plus reinstall the various drivers, etc., from scratch. Would this pose any problems? Sorry if I seem to be covering the same ground repeatedly, but I want to make sure I do this right the first time if at all possible. Thanks for everybody's patience!

 

[gregrocker]

It's all in the tutorial you said you were reading.

 

[Britton30]

Personally what I would do, and have, is do a full fresh install after you have all the new hardware installed, install your security and do the Windows Updates. (Per tutorial)
Now I would start installing my previous software and rebooting between them to get the registry in order.

 

[AddRAM]

One bit of clarification--I was planning on reinstalling the various application programs (LibreOffice, Firefox, etc.), and then copying the document and data files from the old hard drive to the new. I already figured I'd have to do that, plus reinstall the various drivers, etc., from scratch. Would this pose any problems? Sorry if I seem to be covering the same ground repeatedly, but I want to make sure I do this right the first time if at all possible. Thanks for everybody's patience!

OK, now you are confusing me, have you installed Windows on the new hard drive on the new motherboard yet or do you still have to purchase the new hard drive ?

If that`s the case, then, as stated by Greg, everything is in the tutorial. The only driver you should be concerned with right now and very important, is your network driver for the new install, you need that to get online to start running windows update and get to the web, you should have that driver on a flash drive or cd just in case windows doesn`t install it.

I was shocked when windows did not have the network driver for my brand new MSI board, but it was on the cd, and I have 8 pc`s I could have used to get it.

 

[Britton30]

Yup, the LAN driver needs to come from the CD or some external device, w7 has none as far as I know.

 

[gregrocker]

Some wireless and even more ethernet adapters will be provided drivers during install. But it's always best to have the one you rely upon in your back up so you can get online quickly to run all rounds of Important and Optional Windows Updates. Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware (Step 3)

Then you'll likely only have a few drivers still missing in Device Manager you can import from the Support Downloads webpage for the PC or device model. Driver Install - Device Manager