Will Windows 7 loads if...

[yellowputty]

...I move my HDD from one computer to another? I'm building a new PC, but after all I'm spending on it, I can't afford to buy another Windows license. I read somewhere back a while ago, that you can't do this because of evil Windows prohibiting reasons, and the OS being linked to the motherboard? Very confusing.

Can someone clarify for me, thank you!

 

[Mason-]

Is your copy of windows OEM?
If it is you can't do this.

If it's retail then do the following:
Keep driver sweeper on your hard drive.
After it loads you will have to go in safe mode and run driver sweeper to get rid of drivers
Install new drivers
Voila!

 

[RJC]

If your copy is OEM this is tied to the board it was first installed / activated on, retail allows you to move between pc's belongs you uninstall from the original.

When moving to a new pc I tend to do a fresh install.

 

[Bubba]

Will not work because of the HAL, on xp you could rebuild the HAL but I dont know of a way to do it on vista and windows 7

 

[yellowputty]

Well, when I built the system, I bought OEM Vista. But as a student, I bought Windows 7 Upgrade. So I am half way between?! Sorry to complicate matters.

 

[Mak3R]

I've changed motherboards and still used my same OEM W7. Just required calling a microsoft activation line and inputting a mega long code read to me down the phone to activate. Not too difficult

 

[yellowputty]

I've changed motherboards and still used my same OEM W7. Just required calling a microsoft activation line and inputting a mega long code read to me down the phone to activate. Not too difficult

Ok thank you! Well hopefully it will be ok, otherwise I shall look forward to a long chat with Microsoft

Case closed.