Windows on failing Laptop

norrie rugger

My laptop is starting to kick the bucket. I have windows 7 on it.

Is the software licence just for that specific computer, or can I transfer it to a new build?

thenightrider

If it came all ready on the laptop it is only for that laptop i take it you did not buy windows 7 and install it your self that is the only way you are can use it on a new build.

chin_grin

You could clone it and transfer to a new build. Shouldn't be a problem.

yoyo

chin_grin wrote: »

You could clone it and transfer to a new build. Shouldn't be a problem.

Windows will automatically deactivate when it detects the major hardware change, even using a cloning program which saves all including current license won't work on a completely new build.
Another thing to keep in mind:
OEM=Tied to motherboard of system first activated on-non transferable
Retail=Can be used and activated on multiple machines, but not similtaniously

Nick

Nothingbetter2d

norrie rugger wrote: »

My laptop is starting to kick the bucket. I have windows 7 on it.

Is the software licence just for that specific computer, or can I transfer it to a new build?

what exactly is wrong with the laptop? Failing doesnt really tell much about the problem

if its a hard drive that is dying just geta new hd and clone the old one using norton ghost on to the new drive.

if its overheating then clean out the dust

Nothingbetter2d

yoyo wrote: »

Windows will automatically deactivate when it detects the major hardware change, even using a cloning program which saves all including current license won't work on a completely new build.
Another thing to keep in mind:
OEM=Tied to motherboard of system first activated on-non transferable
Retail=Can be used and activated on multiple machines, but not similtaniously

Nick

that is not strictly true... ive cloned many windows 7 installations and provided the hardware is exactly the same as the source image it doesnt ask for a reactivation

TsuDhoNimh

yoyo wrote: »

Windows will automatically deactivate when it detects the major hardware change, even using a cloning program which saves all including current license won't work on a completely new build.

Nothingbetter2d wrote: »

that is not strictly true... ive cloned many windows 7 installations and provided the hardware is exactly the same as the source image it doesnt ask for a reactivation

A simple cloning being transferable like that is the exception rather than the rule. The odds of the OP picking up the exact same hardware in a new laptop would be extremely low, so I'd be confident that yoyo's advice is relevant. Even if it could be transferred, it's technically a breach of the licencing agreement so shouldn't be transferred (if an OEM licence).

yoyo

Nothingbetter2d wrote: »

that is not strictly true... ive cloned many windows 7 installations and provided the hardware is exactly the same as the source image it doesnt ask for a reactivation

If you clone a specific Dell to another Dell (for e.g) it won't be an issue, as the license for those installs is integrated in the BIOs. To try cloning a Laptop drive to a new build (I'm guessing by this meaning putting together a machine from parts) you won't have this happen. Trust me on this

Nick