Using old windows installation in new system for testing?

[AD-15]

Hello,

I am currently building a new PC from scratch for a family member. The only thing going into it from the old system is the PSU.

As it's a new build, I'd like the opportunity to test as much of the hardware as possible before making a fresh installation of Windows using the new SSDs. I'm therefore considering just transferring the old HDD over (temporarily), in order to have a ready Windows installation (with all the testing software I use) to boot from straight away.

However, I'm wondering if Windows would maybe freak out at the hardware change - I think I recall reading somewhere that a change in the motherboard invalidates the Windows installation? I'm using Windows 7 64-bit. Does doing this sound feasible? I'd make a fresh installation on the new SSD once I'm happy everything else works fine.

Thanks!

[Agent]

It really depends on how different the hardware is. I've had a lot of success doing it over the last few years, but help Windows to do so. Uninstall all drivers, check for any hardware based services and stop them. You could sysprep the install so you remove all hardware dependency (in theory anyway).

The biggie I've found that makes a difference is AHCI / older implementations. If your install is not using AHCI, make sure you don't have it set it the BIOS. It's a sure fire way for an instant BSOD.

The only real way to know is to plug it in and try

[JordanTr]

Hello,

I am currently building a new PC from scratch for a family member. The only thing going into it from the old system is the PSU.

As it's a new build, I'd like the opportunity to test as much of the hardware as possible before making a fresh installation of Windows using the new SSDs. I'm therefore considering just transferring the old HDD over (temporarily), in order to have a ready Windows installation (with all the testing software I use) to boot from straight away.

However, I'm wondering if Windows would maybe freak out at the hardware change - I think I recall reading somewhere that a change in the motherboard invalidates the Windows installation? I'm using Windows 7 64-bit. Does doing this sound feasible? I'd make a fresh installation on the new SSD once I'm happy everything else works fine.

Thanks!

In most cases it should work, will find driver themself of your new hardware.