Installed old hard drive in different computer

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Kim, just to clear things up, I actually referred Greg (red1776) to this excellent sticky at the HardForum. Some users there have reported that they have had success using a single sysprep image with multiple configurations.

Greg linked you to MS's page on the program, which also has the relevant info you need. Of course, that page is intended for users with fairly advanced knowledge, which must be obvious from the terms used. So if the OP did not understand anything, they can go with one of the usual methods to prepare your system for when you upgrade your motherboard. The usual process is to backup/format/install/restore, as stated by the creator of the sticky in the last post of the aforementioned thread, and sysprep is just an alternative to this long process.

And it is perfectly legal AFAIK, since it requires an activation from MS before you can start using the OS. So even if it is an OEM installation, you can swap over the system HDD from one computer to the other, (provided it is not an HP or Dell PC with an OS pre-installed) and still require activation before using the OS, effectively still being within the boundaries of the EULA AFAICT. If this is not the way the EULA defines it, I'd be happy to know the actual terms.

 

[kimsland]

Original quote follows:

I took my hard drive out of my old computer and stuck it in my newer one. Took my brother's hard drive out of his computer and stuck it in my old one because it was faster than his. Now it will not boot up it goes to this screen:

Now here's your reply:

The usual process is to backup/format/install/restore, as stated by the creator of the sticky in the last post of the aforementioned thread, and sysprep is just an alternative to this long process.

I would not use the word "usual" I would say: "best"
I do agree that "sysprep is just an alternative"


This next part is a tad confusing (even though correct):

And it is perfectly legal AFAIK, since it requires an activation from MS before you can start using the OS. So even if it is an OEM installation, you can swap over the system HDD from, say an HP to a Dell, and still require activation before using the OS, effectively still being within the boundaries of the EULA AFAICT. If this is not the way the EULA defines it, I'd be happy to know the actual terms.

Yes you can use any non-activated Windows on any PC (or Windows able computer)
But, you will then need to use a totally new key, that is not OEM for another manufacture computer (obviously) Therefore getting back to the original post (OEM or not) the original user will not be able to activate (legally) the other computer.

Therefore my original (argued against) post:

Well sadly that's the worst idea to tell someone, so hopefully you mis-quoted Rage_3K_Moiz or something?

Sharam has advised correctly, you need to run a Repair on Windows in this situation and that's all.
Note: running a Repair on Windows will also ask you to put the valid product key back in. This product key cannot be OEM (ie the same key that came from another manufacture box) It must be fully valid legal product key.

I hope that you fully agree that a Repair is the "usual" and BEST option in this case, and that you would not go around running Sysprep in this scenario, unless (and I have done this before) you were trying to avoid lengthy re-install option, and happened to have an excellent (compatible ) Sysprep image, that could "time save" a complete re-install.

This original member was not talking about a complete re-install, and it just so happens that Repair, will also remove the hardware layer as well.

Lets just leave it as Sysprep is an alternative. (I read the guide too) What has got mixed up here is COA and EULA, which quite obviously Sysprep does not affect
Therefore, it is not the "worst" idea, but possibly not the best in this one off situation.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Fair enough Kim; I also believe a repair and\or reformat+clean install is actually easier if you are not familiar enough with computers.

But as far as an OEM copy is concerned, wouldn't changing the system HDD over to a new PC allow you to use your original key? Because unless you cloned the original HDD and are using that in a new computer, it is effectively like you have "uninstalled" (divorced? LOL) the OS from the previous system. Or am I missing something here?

 

[kimsland]

Yes you must have just gone blank or something
You cannot legally move an OEM label to another computer

So then you may state that you have done this, and informed MS without issue?
Hence my quote:

The key belongs to the box it came from and that's that. Unless you are allowed to do a transfer with MS, which is usually ok, as long as it's not OEM. eg you can't use a Dell key on a HP computer

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Why not? Surely as long as it is not being used for two computers at the same time it is permissible, no?

EDIT: I see that this applies for OEM OSes that one may purchase from a store, but not to computers with an OEM OS pre-installed. Sorry for any confusion. I have also likewise edited my first post to reflect this.

Have a nice day Kim.