Transfering SSD (with Win7 installed) to Asus G74

[Akaz1976]

Hi,

I have a SSD installed in my HTPC that is never used. That SSD has a fresh install of win7 on it (which i did as part of building my HTPC). I just bought a Asus G74 with an empty 2nd HDD bay.

If i simply plug the SSD from HTPC into the G74 second bay and change the boot order in G74 bios to go to SSD first, would it work? or would i have compatibility issues or even need to do full reinstall.

I am hoping win7 on SSD will adapt to new H/W and then i can simply format the HDD that G74 came with and use that (HDD) as the storage/steam drive.

Thanks

 

[mnewsham]

you will need drivers and such on it.

 

[Akaz1976]

you will need drivers and such on it.

I realize that but will the system boot from the SSD even though previously SSD was attached to a completely different hardware? once the system boots i can then update all the drivers.

 

[mnewsham]

It would be easier and better in my opinion to just backup onto an HDD or external HDD and then rewrite the important information to the SSD once it is installed on the new system with a fresh install of W7.

 

[Termie]

I've had problems attempting to boot a system with two OS drives connected, where one has not been identified to the OS as the primary boot drive (I mean in Windows, not in the BIOS).

In other words, I think the system will boot with the SSD plugged in, which was your question, but I'm not so sure it will boot with both drives plugged in, which you didn't ask. You can certainly give it a try though.

 

[Akaz1976]

Thanks guys. There is no cruicial data on either drive. Just trying to avoid time required for the install. I will see if it works. If not then i will simply do a fresh install on the SSD.

Followup: On the HTPC i had installed Win7 from online download (ie i do not have physical media with licence/authentication # but the source was ligit). I dont recall how the authentication # was transmitted to me or atleast i dont have it now. Is there anyway to find out what that # is before i reformat the drive?

 

[Termie]

Thanks guys. There is no cruicial data on either drive. Just trying to avoid time required for the install. I will see if it works. If not then i will simply do a fresh install on the SSD.

Followup: On the HTPC i had installed Win7 from online download (ie i do not have physical media with licence/authentication # but the source was ligit). I dont recall how the authentication # was transmitted to me or atleast i dont have it now. Is there anyway to find out what that # is before i reformat the drive?

Can't you find the number somewhere in the computer properties page?

The concern I'd have, though, is that if it's an OEM version of W7, it likely will not allow you to use it on a new system (typically defined by a change in motherboard). It will boot but will indicate that it is not licensed properly.

Why not use the license number that came with your Asus?

 

[corkyg]

You can retriieve the key ID number with Belarc Advisor or Magic Jelly Bean.

You will need it - I predict a BSOD if you try and boot the SSD from a different machine.

 

[Akaz1976]

The Win7 on OS was a student win7 purchase (so didnt come attached to a particular HW).

And i will use the asus # if i reinstall on the SSD. but in that case i wanted to 'retain for record' the other win7 license # incase i build another system and need OS for it.

Thanks again

 

[unokitty]

Akaz,

With an earlier version of Windows, I've done something like what you're contemplating. Though, I moved a hard drive between two almost identical computers. It worked without a reinstall. But these systems had the same video cards, the same motherboards, and the same processors.

And that was before Microsoft implemented some of the anti piracy measures that are now in place on Windows 7.

My perception is that Windows treats the student Windows purchases the same as any other legitimate Windows purchases. So, it would seem to me that you could just reinstall Windows 7 on the SSD after the move.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[Topweasel]

Best tactic is to uninstall the chipset drivers and remove the hard drive controller from the device manager. After it is done it will say it needs to restart the computer. Power off the system when it gets to the post screen and then move the hard drive. You should be good to go, but expect that you have to activate the OS.

Oh and if it isn't already switch Sata to ACHI (or what ever it was that is not IDE).

 

[kbp]

I just bought an Asus G53 and added a SSD. Although I used my Win cd from my desktop and did a clean install. There should be a windows license on the bottom of the new laptop. I used it and then installed all of the drivers via Asus web site. (Keeps all the "bloatware" off the new install.)

 

[Shawn]

run sysprep

http://windows7easy.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/transfer-your-windows-7-installation-to-a-new-pc/