Adapting Windows for a new PC build
Adapting Windows for a new PC build
Hello, I'm working on assembling components for a fresh PC build centered around a Z97 motherboard. I have a query about using the Windows 7 Home Premium disks I purchased to upgrade from Vista on my existing machine. I saw that the Upgrade version matched the "New" installation version except it prompts for the Vista key during setup (I still have the sticker on the PC). It seems I might need to purchase a new product key from Microsoft for installing Windows 7 on the new system, or can I use the one already in the box? The new machine will run on an SSD as the boot drive while the current HDD handles data storage. Could you advise on connecting the program files from the old HDD so they work in the new configuration? Thanks, Robert.
You should be able to use your key again. If it's a branded OEM key, there might be issues, though Vista keys are less prone to this. This applies to keeping programs from earlier versions if you reinstall Windows. For software that runs on both SSD and HDD, you can set up folders like "Program Files" and "Programs Files (x86)" on the HDD and adjust the installation path letter each time you install something there.