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I'm installing Windows 7 to my computer. I'm buying a new computer in June for college, and would like to know if I can move my HDD's in the new computer without reformatting or reinstalling Windows. If not, can I install Windows with my same key to that new computer. I didn't buy the cheaper OEM because I assumed it would work, but now I'm having second thoughts.
Thanks!
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You will have to reinstall and wipe the hard drive. Windows 7 offers a managed solution called "Windows Easy Transfer". It should make the move a lot less hectic.
Yes, you can install Windows with the same key. If you get problems during activation, call them (well, you'll actually be calling India) and tell them that you only have it installed on one computer. They'll give you the access code.
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If you're already using W7 as of current, Acronis can do disk cloning with no problem. A clean install is always preferable but sometimes people like me are lazy and just want to transfer everyone from old drive to a new. But if your system is going to be different, it'll give you more problems trying to fix and change things, so you're better off doing a clean install.
Replacing a hard disk - same computer - you can clone
Replacing a new whole system - fresh install please
