Moving Windows 7 to a new computer.

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Gringuito

21 posts

Geek

#75785 23-Jan-2011 08:40

Hey guys

Is there any way I can deactivate Windows 7 on my current computer, then install it on a new one and activate it?

Cheers

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#430114 23-Jan-2011 09:07

It depends.

Are you installing from scratch or moving the HDD from one to another?

If you are installing from scratch is this a OEM or a full version? If it's OEM it's licenced to that one computer only (unless you bought the OEM pack by itself). If it's a full version, you can just install on a new PC and activate it - then use something to erase the old HDD.

If you are moving the HDD then things get complicated. The OEM/full licence still applies, but in terms of drivers, etc it could get hard to get it going on new hardware.

trig42

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#430121 23-Jan-2011 09:26

As above, depending on the version you have, just install it on the new PC and activate. If it tells you that you have exceeded activations, call the 0800 number for MS activations (it will tell you) and explain that you have removed it from the old one and they will activate over the phone. You don't need to 'deactivate' just wipe the old one off.

If you are just transferring it programs and all from one PC to another, then some of the imaging software can strip out the drivers (eg Acronis Universal Restore).

Gringuito

21 posts

Geek

#430152 23-Jan-2011 11:54

I upgraded from XP to 7, so all I have to do is wipe the only hard drive and install it on the new computer, then call Microsoft. Awesome!
Thanks guys!

hellonearthisman

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#430161 23-Jan-2011 12:32

I recently got a student version of windows 7 pro and installed into onto my netbook and desktop computer as the licence said I could install it onto two computers. http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/windowsexperience/archive/2010/11/02/windows-7-student-discount-expands-to-11-additional-countries.aspx http://www.microsoft.com/student/office/en-nz/terms.aspx

I had a little trouble when upgrading my desktop machine (due to raid drives) and instead of installing winxp again and then upgrading it I used this hack http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media.aspx which worked well for me.

janders

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#431485 26-Jan-2011 16:43

Heres a way.

Make sure you have the activation key written down. You can deactivate using cmd prompt deactivation method and then use the licence on a new PC through automatic or more likely telephone activation.