Transferring hard drive with OEM 7 to new motherboard/build

[Frosst]

Hey guys. Can someone tell me if the below is correct?

1. Follow sysprep tutorial.

2. Assemble the new build and transfer hard drive.

3. Start computer and see if it brings me to the dual boot screen.

4. If I do this and then boot into Windows 7 and get a reactivation prompt, I will then call Microsoft and see if they will activate it for the new build?

 

[seavixen32]

Your plan of campaign sounds OK to me.

When it comes to activating your new system you might want to try the automated telephone activation system. You'll need a touchtone telephone, but you don't speak to anyone live, it's all fully automated thus:

Click Start and type SLUI.exe 4 in the Search field then press Enter to launch the Activation Wizard.

Use the drop-down list to choose your region and call the toll-free telephone number.

You will be asked if you are a Home or Business user, press 1 for Home then follow the automated instructions to enter your Installation ID via your telephone touchpad.

On completion, you'll be asked how many computers Windows is installed on, the required answer is one.

Acceptance of your Installation ID will be confirmed and you'll then be given instructions to enter your Activation ID. At this stage my advice is to write the numbers down first so that you have a record of them, and then enter them in the appropriate fields.

Click Next and Windows should activate.

 

[Frosst]

Thank you very much for your help.

To be clear, I thought that I couldn't use the automated system because all I have is the OEM ID, which is why I have to speak directly to someone at Microsoft and explain my situation with the hope that they will give me a new authorization.

 

[seavixen32]

You're very welcome.

To be honest, I did wonder about that after I posted my reply so I think at this stage it's a question of suck it and see.

If your operating system doesn't activate automatically, try the automated phone activation wizard. If that doesn't work then you may have to speak to someone at Microsoft and explain your predicament.

Whatever happens, do let us know how you get on.

 

[Frosst]

Sounds good!

Say I couldn't get it reactivated, don't I have 30 days notice? Then I could just use it until that time period was up, then just use Windows 8 for the remaining month until I can purchase a retail version of W7?

 

[seavixen32]

If needs be, have a look at this WSF tutorial, which shows you how to extend your activation trial period to 120 days: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/875-activation-trial-period-extend-up-120-days.html

 

[Frosst]

Hey guys!

Unfortunately I keep getting that "fatal error" message when running sysprep. I went into command prompt and disabled the Windows Media service, but to no avail. I still continue to get that "fatal error".

I rebooted my computer and tried again, no dice. What do you think happened?

I know this isn't ideal, but if worst came to worst, could I use my Win8 disc to do a fresh install once I have the HDD in the new computer? I my stuff backed up.

This has been really super frustrating. I was hoping to finish building tonight because I'm very pressed for time...

 

[gregrocker]

Yes of course you can reinstall either OS to the new hardware.

You can also try Paragon Adaptive Restore on the existing OS's once they are moved into the new hardware. Just boot the CD and point it to each OS.