New computer, same hard drive

[CoolBeans]

I am getting a new computer, my old one died and I have a few questions about the OS. Can I just put my hard drive that has my OS on it in my new computer and it will work, and what do I have to do to activate my windows 7 copy on the new computer?

[SAV1OUR]

if its a new motherboard you will have to re install

[TheNinjaNextDor]

You'll need to activate it (reinstall) unless you get the exact same motherboard.

[CoolBeans]

if its a new motherboard you will have to re install

Is there a way to do that without a disc and key, I had a laptop

[Thebman712]

if its a new motherboard you will have to re install

i also want to know this, would you have to repay

[aricleather]

i also want to know this, would you have to repay

 

Probably. I think that laptops come with one time activation keys, or at least mine did. When I re-installed windows on my laptop (because when my hard drive becomes cluttered I just restore it), didn't realize I was going to be paying for another win7 key.

[zapsyou]

I was able to change mobo several times without reinstalling or reactivating but that was with a less legitimate win 7

[SAV1OUR]

Is there a way to do that without a disc and key, I had a laptop

not as far as i know sadly also will the new pc beat the old laptop

[Konasumi]

If I decide to get a new motherboard (system), I will just be able to re-use my current W8 key, correct? It's not OEM.

[LogicalDrm]

If I decide to get a new motherboard (system), I will just be able to re-use my current W8 key, correct? It's not OEM.

 

All retail keys are reusable. Any branded OEM (prebuilds, laptops) won't work with another mobo. With bit whining to MS they might activate it but there's 50-50 change they won't. At least pre-Win8 non-branded OEMs can be used with another mobo without major problems. WinXP OEMs can be used without restrictions, maybe Vista too.