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    Building a new PC using another system's Win10 hard drive

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by hammerdown, Jun 17, 2017.

  1. hammerdown

    hammerdown Notebook Geek

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    My HTPC machine is old - core2 quad blah. So I want to build a new one, including motherboard.

    The current HTPC has Windows 10 and all my programs setup so perfectly on an SSD. I really really do NOT want to do a clean install with the new motherboard. I want to keep my programs/data. Some of the stuff on the HTPC I honestly don't recall how to re-install/setup.

    I know it's "better" to do a clean install, but do I absolutely have to?

    Can I slap this SSD into the new motherboard, run Windows 10 refresh/setup and keep my programs and data in tact, then deal with activation later?
     
    hammerdown, Jun 17, 2017
    #1
  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    I think it should generally work. You might need to enable legacy boot if the new motherboard is UEFI. Windows 10 will redetect the hardware on the first boot. No need to refresh. Actually, if you do refresh I think it will remove all of your programs, but keep your documents.
     
    namaiki, Jun 18, 2017
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  3. StormJumper

    StormJumper Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can do that but you then need to uninstall all the older drivers/software for the other motherboard or else you will have problems. You shouldn't have to refesh/resetup the programs. As for Windows 10 activation they do it different now if it doesn't activate itself then you will have to IM Windows support to get it activated since the Product Key was registered with the old motherboard. Microsoft Windows is strict on this matter. But sometimes it is better to reinstall the O/S on the new motherboard to insure any missing or corrupted files doesn't cause problems down the road-as you never know what kinda problems unseen your bringing into the new motherboard as well. But you will have to decide what you want to do and what will result as the choices made.
     
    StormJumper, Jun 18, 2017
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  4. SL2

    SL2 Notebook Deity

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    The command line you're looking for is Sysprep /generalize /shutdown
    ( /OOBE or /audit should probably not be used in your situation)
    This will remove your Windows key/activation and hardware specific drivers, prepare for a different computer, and other things.

    Search for "sysprep move hdd" and you'll find lots of info. Here's a start.
    https://www.tenforums.com/pc-custom...ving-hdd-windows-10-into-complete-new-pc.html
     
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2017
    SL2, Jun 19, 2017
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  5. hammerdown

    hammerdown Notebook Geek

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    Wow that's a lot of great information! Thanks so much.
     
    hammerdown, Jun 19, 2017
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  6. SL2

    SL2 Notebook Deity

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    Yes you're right, I'm pretty sure this is true. It's not what the OP wants to do. :)
     
    SL2, Jun 20, 2017
    #6