Old hard drive to new PC

frigidVintage · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 11:14 pm Post subject: Old hard drive to new PC

I want to build a new pc and I'd like to save money on the OS and microsoft office by using a hard drive from a previous computer that already has those. So its basically just an "all hardware" upgrade from the existing system(it is XP, perfectly good still). I was wondering if this is possible? the only problem i can see is that I'm taking the hard drive from a Hewlett Packard pc and I've heard that upgrading motherboards on pre-built systems could be problematic? I need some help.

Bottom line is I want to salvage a few hundred bucks of software because I'm trashing the old computer anyway.

Thanks alot

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fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

You're going to have to reinstall XP, there's no way around it. Microsoft considers the motherboard to be the "heart" of the computer, changing motherboards requires a fresh install of XP.
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frigidVintage · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 9:57 pm Post subject:

sucks, but thanks.

so theres no luck because this was store bought . . . .

One question though: If I build my own, and after a couple years I want a new motherboard, you're saying I can re-install XP (or vista) from the same discs I used the first time?

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

As long as they're not OEM disks, yes, you can re-use the same XP disks. Microsoft requires the re-install for "anti-piracy" reasons.
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Xal · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 5:46 am Post subject:

Most OS disks have a 2 - 4 use policy, meaning you can reinstall after an upgrade that number of times. They did this to help all those people who update motherboards and CPUs often. But, once your limit is up you will need to buy a new OS disk. So far as I have experienced the licence will only use up one of its uses when you upgrade the motherboard. Other upgrades do not require a reinstall and even if you do it will use the same activation as the previous installation. I would try a "repair installation" first and see if it requires activation afterwards. You should be ok though so long as you use the OEM key provided with your old system.

Hope that made sense lol.

Good luck.
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fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

No need to buy a new OS disk once your four installs are up. A simple call to Microsoft will reset your "timer" for another four installs. Just have your CD handy to give them the code off the disk.
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