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Windows activation and new PC

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  • 11-12-2018 7:44pm
    #1
    dragona
    Registered Users Posts: 1,647 ✭✭✭


    Hi my computer died :( so I've bought a refurbished, comes with an SSD with widows 10 already installed.

    My existing computer has an ssd with windows 10 , I think dodgy because it tells me it is not activated. Not sure.

    Can I put this (existing) ssd with my windows installation and all my files, and just swap it with whatever the computer comes with?

    Can I use the Windows key of the new ssd and use it for my existing?

    Wanted to use the ssd that it comes with as a backup drive.

    I really don't want to lose all my settings.
    All help appreciated!


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    #2
    smuggler.ie
    Registered Users Posts: 4,130 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    If your original (the one that died) PC was OEM (made by Dell, Lenovo, etc), Windows license was tied to motherboard - using THAT disk in another PC (another motherboard) will invalidate activation.

    If it was Retail license(you should have Key) , you should be able reuse it in your new(refurbished) PC.
    See or google similar:


    How to transfer a Windows 10 license to a new computer or hard drive


    Moving hard drive with Windows 10 installed to a new computer.(see link inside article)
    history of boards 2021




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    #3
    dragona
    Registered Users Posts: 1,647 ✭✭✭dragona


    It was not OEM. Son put together pc with bits of his old one. It had Windows 8 and then it updated to Windows 10, all was fine until a month ago, and then it told me it was not activated.

    He reckons motherboard dead, anyway I've bought a replacement, just want to put in existing ssd.

    As the new pc is coming with Win10 already on it, can I use that code to activate my existing?

    Sorry for all the questions!


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    #4
    ED E
    Registered Users Posts: 36,167 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    While you can sometimes get away with what you're suggesting (transplant bootable drive to different hardware) it's a recipe for headaches.

    Sign into the new PC and use a drive caddy to copy over your data. Install programs fresh. You can use Ninite to speed this up if you wish.


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    #5
    dragona
    Registered Users Posts: 1,647 ✭✭✭dragona


    Well folks
    PC arrived today, took out ssd and put in my old one. Everything A ok.
    Booted up fine and is working great!

    I used the activation code supplied with the new computer to activate Windows on the old, all seems to be ok.

    Thanks for the advice!


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