Hard drive transfer

[Benana101]

Hey guys, I am building a new PC and I am going to be using the Hard drive out of my old PC.

In my old PC there is only one hard drive, this PC is running Windows 8. If I put the hard drive out of the old PC into the new PC will Windows 8 still be installed on it? So I don't have to buy a new OS

 

Thanks

[WoodenMarker]

Windows 8 is on the hdd. You shouldn't need to reinstall Windows but you might have to contact Microsoft about transferring the key since it's attached to your motherboard. This shouldn't be an issue if you use the same motherboard. 

[Samfisher]

You don't need to buy Windows 8 again.  If it asks for the key when you transfer the HDD over, just input the CD key again.  If it says it's invalid, call the automated Windows hotline and it will reactivate your key.

[Benana101]

Thank you guys. You have helped me a lot

[Benana101]

Windows 8 is on the hdd. You shouldn't need to reinstall Windows but you might have to contact Microsoft about transferring the key since it's attached to your motherboard. This shouldn't be an issue if you use the same motherboard. 

I am using a different motherboard.

[Benana101]

Also where can I find my CD Key, I found my Windows 8 slip that has the disk but there is no product key, it was taken off when I registered this PC, can I find it somewhere on my PC?

[MatazaNZ]

Also where can I find my CD Key, I found my Windows 8 slip that has the disk but there is no product key, it was taken off when I registered this PC, can I find it somewhere on my PC?

Was it a prebuilt PC? If so, then there should be a product key sticker on the case. If not, then I think there may be a way to find the key in the OS itself, you may need to google for that

[Benana101]

I brought the PC from a Place called CentreCom, The case has a sticker that is my product key that goes like xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx. Because I got it prebuilt doesn't that make it a OEM Copy? Meaning I can't use it at all