Transferring Windows 7 from Laptop to new Desktop

[andrewboon]

Hi everyone I just have two quick questions

I am building a brand new PC from scratch and I do not want to spend 100$ on a brand new operating system when I have one from my laptop. My laptop is really crappy, but the hard drive is still in excellent condition. It has Windows 7 on it and I was wondering if I could somehow transfer the Windows 7 from that hard drive to my new desktop hard drive.


Also is it possible to just use my laptop hard drive in my new desktop instead of getting a brand new hard drive? It would be much easier than doing what I said in the above paragraph, because I have a bunch of important files on my laptop hard drive.

If none of the above is possible, does anyone have a suggestion with how to transfer my files from my laptop to my desktop? I also have a Windows Vista disk I can use to install to my new desktop if nothing works.

Thank you for the help!

 

[Blain]

Sorry, but...
The laptop OS is an OEM version locked to that machine.
It violates the MS EULA to use it on a different PC.

As far as transferring your files, there are several ways...
Copy over via network, USB stick, DVD-R, etc.

 

[andrewboon]

What if I just use my laptop hard drive on my desktop

 

[Blain]

Same situation

Install a Linux distro, most of them are 100% FREE

 

[alyarb]

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer

 

[corkyg]

What if I just use my laptop hard drive on my desktop

You will get a BSOD. If you can't afford Windows 7, then go Linux.

 

[natto fire]

You will get a BSOD. If you can't afford Windows 7, then go Linux.

I did this recently to transfer some files (wanted to try out Mint anyways).

 

[ElFenix]

You will get a BSOD. If you can't afford Windows 7, then go Linux.

probably not. though it will probably make you call microsoft. who may or may not give you the key anyway.

 

[Gunbuster]

if you are a student get server 2k8 r2 from dreamspark and run it as workstation.

 

[mfenn]

Technically, can you do it? Probably. Does it violate the EULA? Oh hell yes.