CPU & HDD upgrade - Vista

I'm about to upgrade both the CPU and HDD on my Acer laptop and am a little concerned about the Win Vista installation not recognising the new hardware as that which was present when the OS was installed. I've read prevously about people running into issues where the OS assumes it has been installed on a second system and becoming invalid.

Can anyone offer any adivce please? Should I upgrade the CPU or HDD first? Is there anything I should pay particular care with regarding the OS and validation/registration, etc. For the record, this OS is genuine.

Thanks in advance.

 

I upgraded CPU on hp nc6000 without a problem. If you want you can take away hard drive, swap cpu, put new hard drive, install Windows using old serial number and key without any additional pay. But I believe you can easily change cpu and copy partition from 1 HDD to another.
All you need is to be sure chipset will manage to work with your cpu. Additional info about processors can be found here Processor sockets

 

I had this happen to me but I went from a C2D to a quad core. Windows 7 and Office 2007 just revalidated with no issue though.................

 

OK thanks for the info guys. I am still a little concerned to be honest but will keep my fingers crossed and of course if there are any issue I guess I'll call MS.

 

CPU and HDD already confirmed as compatible with current chipset, etc. Thanks.

Although what I want to do is clone my current hard drive onto another, larger capacity and faster one. I'll be using EaseUs for this. I'm happy with my current installation and don't wish to re-install Windows. Furthermore, I do not have the Windows disc as it was preloaded upon purchase of the laptop.

 

Before you use copy program I suggest you to create Windows recovery DVDs or use laptop's manufacturer's soft. I know that you can easily download distributive of Windows 7 from internet and register it using your serial number and key which must be written on your laptop. However do not know about Vista. Also of course you will need to install again drivers and applications.

 

I've changed both before on an ACER laptop, vista re-installed no problems. Had to call the Microsoft activation number but activated no issues.

 

OK, thanks for that. What do they ask when you call as a matter of interest?
This laptop has a genuine Win Vista but was my Dad's originally so wondering what info I'll need to give them.

Thanks

 

It's an automated system, pretty straightforward, VISTA will give you a load of numbers to input over the phone, the the automated service gives you numbers to type back into the system, then all is done, simple!!!

Edit: Just to add, the automated system won't ask you for any personal info, or any info about the system.

 

Laptop hardware upgrades are never limited by the OS, they are primarily limited by the BIOS. Whatever CPU you choose to upgrade to, make sure that the BIOS for your model will support it. As for the hard drive, it is a relatively uncomplicated and straightforward affair.

 

CPU went in without issue and Windows activation hasn't changed.