Can I take a HD with vista from a never used store bought pc use in my build?

bobbyd3 · 11-21-2008, 09:09 AM

So basically I found a good deal online for a pre-built pc, had athlon 64x2 5000 processor, 500 gb hd with vista, dvd-burner, integrated graphics etc.

So I purchased parts to upgrade it, xfx geforce9800 GTX+ vid card, 4gb ram, 750 PSU, new case etc...

So now im thinking that well I should finish the job and buy a new MoBo and intel dual core processor and make it exactly what I want.

The one question I have is if I can just remove the Hard Drive with Vista installed on it, from the pre-built computer that I have yet to power up and plug it into a new build and have it work.

Would save some cash if I didn't have to buy vista

dai · 11-21-2008, 09:37 AM

not unless it came with a retail copy of vista
it it is oem it would be illeagal

bobbyd3 · 11-22-2008, 02:28 PM

So if I was to replace the MoBo and or CPU then I have to buy another version of windows?

I am not trying to run one copy of windows on 2 pc's just upgrading the pc I bought. Wasn't sure how replacing psu or mobo would affect the OS.

**wrench97** · 11-22-2008, 03:07 PM

The OEM license is tied to the motherboard that is why MS charges the OEM's less for the OS then the retail price, the software is the same the license is different.

11-21-2008, 09:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
bobbyd3 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 25 OS: XP	Can I take a HD with vista from a never used store bought pc use in my build? So basically I found a good deal online for a pre-built pc, had athlon 64x2 5000 processor, 500 gb hd with vista, dvd-burner, integrated graphics etc. So I purchased parts to upgrade it, xfx geforce9800 GTX+ vid card, 4gb ram, 750 PSU, new case etc... So now im thinking that well I should finish the job and buy a new MoBo and intel dual core processor and make it exactly what I want. The one question I have is if I can just remove the Hard Drive with Vista installed on it, from the pre-built computer that I have yet to power up and plug it into a new build and have it work. Would save some cash if I didn't have to buy vista

11-21-2008, 09:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,609 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Can I take a HD with vista from a never used store bought pc use in my build? not unless it came with a retail copy of vista it it is oem it would be illeagal __________________

11-22-2008, 02:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
bobbyd3 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 25 OS: XP	Re: Can I take a HD with vista from a never used store bought pc use in my build? So if I was to replace the MoBo and or CPU then I have to buy another version of windows? I am not trying to run one copy of windows on 2 pc's just upgrading the pc I bought. Wasn't sure how replacing psu or mobo would affect the OS.

11-22-2008, 03:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,573 OS: Win7	Re: Can I take a HD with vista from a never used store bought pc use in my build? The OEM license is tied to the motherboard that is why MS charges the OEM's less for the OS then the retail price, the software is the same the license is different. __________________ Power Supply and Selection