Need advice on transfering / reinstalling my W7 64 bit to a new build

[Middenacht]

Hi all,

When i built the PC im currently typing this on several years ago after advice from the kind folks here I ensured that I purchased (from oops) a retail copy of Windows 7 Home Premium (which was obviously more expensive than OEM). It came with a 32 bit and 64 bit discs insode the retail box and i installed the 64 bit version.

Im just about to order all the parts for my next PC build. Along with those parts im ordering a 2nd copy of Windows 7 HP Retail. My old PC (this one) will go to my wife. My old HDD's will be reformatted for my wife. I believe i have several options (below) and wonder if i can get some advice?

1) how can i check / prove the version I have installed on this PC is a retail version for my own comfort. ive seen amazon selling retail versions which are 1 user only. Can these be transferred to another PC? (ie does 1 user mean 1 user at any one time or one shot on one pc like oem?)

2) Would the best approach be to: wipe this PC's HDDs and reinstall the Windows 7 64 thats currently on it. This wouldnt even count as being transferred to a new machine as its the same motherboard?

3) install the new Windows 7 HP 64 bit im about to buy on the new rig?

I know these are probably silly questions but i am trying to avoid frustration and dissapointment by thinking about this stuff now.

Thanks
Matt

 

[Orcvader]

1) If it's retail it means only one PC can use it at a time. But it can be used with different machines, unlike OEM which gets locked down to the motherboard. On the other hand I'm not sure how to check if it's a retail copy...

2) If you want to "reset" the current PC, then reinstalling Windows with the same copy will do. No problems with doing this. Will also avoid any problems if you got an OEM version instead.

3) Yes.

On the other hand remove the jungle name, it's against the rules to mention competitors on the forums.