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    Win 7 harddrive questions

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Vagabondllama, Oct 2, 2010.

  1. Vagabondllama

    Vagabondllama Notebook Consultant

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    Hello,

    I recently had a laptop with Win 7 Pro die on me. The harddrive is still fine, though. If I were to take the harddive out, and stick it into a new laptop, would it...work? Would Windows 7 automatically recognize all the new hardware and change the drivers, or would this just be a horrible idea?

    Thanks for any help.
     
    Vagabondllama, Oct 2, 2010
    #1
  2. Joel

    Joel coffeecoffeecoffeecoffee

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    I don't think it would work. However, it may with Windows 7.

    I just read a post here, that says it would ask for Activation, and then search for drivers. All you can do is just try it, if it doesn't work, then there you go, it doesn't, if it does, then good on you!
     
    Joel, Oct 2, 2010
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  3. Syberia

    Syberia Notebook Deity

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    It the motherboard/chipset is different, it will most likely not work at all. Expect a BSOD somewhere during boot-up, and unlike XP, you can't use the install CD to install new drivers.
     
    Syberia, Oct 3, 2010
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  4. metril

    metril Notebook Deity

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    You can do an upgrade install over the old Windows 7. It should keep your programs and files intact and basically provide generic drivers for the system to boot up. Once logged in, you can go ahead and install necessary drivers. Though for less headache, I recommend a clean install if using new hardware.
     
    metril, Oct 3, 2010
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  5. maximinimaus

    maximinimaus Notebook Evangelist

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    I think, it will work as you have Win 7.
    I restored an image of the OS partition of a HP EliteBook 8530w to a Acer Aspire 1810TZ and it worked.
    If the BIOS of both machines(the dead and the new one) contain SLIC 2.1 and Win 7 Prof was activated with the OEM SLP key, then it possibly remains activated.
     
    maximinimaus, Oct 3, 2010
    #5