Computer Help and Support

Mayberry Machiavelli

(21,096 posts) Mon Jan 2, 2012, 02:09 PM Jan 2012

Question: re putting HDD from old laptop into new, identically configured laptop.

My situation - I had a laptop that got physically damaged beyond repair. I think the HDD and RAM sticks may still be intact and recovered them.

Let's assume for the moment that the HDD is intact and functioning.

I've been looking at purchasing the exact same model of laptop from eBay as a replacement, same CPU/RAM/motherboard/GPU configuration, same everything.

If I bought the replacement, verified it was working, then swapped out the HDDs, I'd assume it would boot up with all my old software and data.

The key question is, would I have an issue with the Windows authorization for updates and support since it would be a different CPU ID than the old computer? Is there a way around this?

6 replies

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Question: re putting HDD from old laptop into new, identically configured laptop. (Original Post) Mayberry Machiavelli Jan 2012 OP

Probably not. If it's identical hardware it should boot without a hitch. hobbit709 Jan 2012 #1

But isn't each Windows installation married to a unique CPU ID these days? Mayberry Machiavelli Jan 2012 #2

What OS do you have? hobbit709 Jan 2012 #3

Win 7 Home 64 bit. You mean you've swapped old windows installation to new CPU and had no probs Mayberry Machiavelli Jan 2012 #4

No problem with updates hobbit709 Jan 2012 #5

Well I think they started the CPU ID business with Win XP so if that worked out okay and she was Mayberry Machiavelli Jan 2012 #6

hobbit709

(41,694 posts)

1. Probably not. If it's identical hardware it should boot without a hitch.

Reply to Mayberry Machiavelli (Original post)

Mon Jan 2, 2012, 03:32 PM

Jan 2012

If it's got the Windows sticker on it there shouldn't be any problem.

Mayberry Machiavelli

(21,096 posts)

2. But isn't each Windows installation married to a unique CPU ID these days?

Reply to hobbit709 (Reply #1)

Mon Jan 2, 2012, 04:18 PM

Jan 2012

So the next time it comes up to update, if it sees that the Windows serial ID doesn't match up with the CPU ID will it not update?

Or is it just an issue that once that given installation of Windows is validated it doesn't care about checking the CPU anymore?

hobbit709

(41,694 posts)

3. What OS do you have?

Reply to Mayberry Machiavelli (Reply #2)

Mon Jan 2, 2012, 04:24 PM

Jan 2012

It wasn't a big issue with XP and it hasn't caused me any problems with 7.

Mayberry Machiavelli

(21,096 posts)

4. Win 7 Home 64 bit. You mean you've swapped old windows installation to new CPU and had no probs

Reply to hobbit709 (Reply #3)

Mon Jan 2, 2012, 04:28 PM

Jan 2012

getting your updates and stuff?

hobbit709

(41,694 posts)

5. No problem with updates

Reply to Mayberry Machiavelli (Reply #4)

Mon Jan 2, 2012, 04:38 PM

Jan 2012

Had two identical Compaq laptops. Tried the hard drive from the one in the other-no problemo..
Of course now neither has 7 on it. The one I gave to my mother has XP-I figured it be easier on her with an OS she was used to-she's 80.
Mine has Linux Mint 11 on it.

Mayberry Machiavelli

(21,096 posts)

6. Well I think they started the CPU ID business with Win XP so if that worked out okay and she was

Reply to hobbit709 (Reply #5)

Mon Jan 2, 2012, 05:38 PM

Jan 2012

able to get her updates and support I should be fine.

I realize that with manufacturer OEM installs of Windows the policies may not be as stringent since the user never has the original install disk most of the time now.

Thanks.

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