Use an older PC to run an operating system.
Use an older PC to run an operating system.
I'm planning my initial PC setup and questioning if I can assemble a system for 100 dollars. This involves removing the old hard drive, swapping it into the new build, moving data to an SSD, adding an HDD and OS, plus getting a backup machine running a lightweight Linux distribution. The device I envision matches the link you provided. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Occasionally the operating system stays tied to the motherboard, blocking a move to an SSD. The same likely applies to the OS inside the laptop. Tip: If the Windows key includes OEM, it’s bound to the board; otherwise, you can install it on the new machine.
These prebuilt versions typically include locked OEM copies (branded). You might be able to use it again, but it's not guaranteed. Activation requires contacting MS. You can purchase a Windows key for $100 or less from G2A.com. Also, the HDDs in these products aren't very reliable, so I'd prefer a Win8.1 key over such a weak setup.