Installing Windows 7 on Another HDD

My current situation is this: I recently built a new personal computer with a purchased installation disc of windows 7 to replace my old computer. I took my old computer and gave it to my kids which has a copy of windows xp on it. Now, the old computer I built several years ago and subsequently upgraded it to it's maximum, but it is now getting to the point where it no longer usable and not viable to spend any time or money on.

I have a friend that has a "used" computer that is being offered to me for $50. I'm pretty sure the only thing wrong with it is that he never protected it from malware and it got bogged down and slow. Instead, he went out and bought a newer one to replace it (like I see others do that have the money!).

Anyway, is it possible to take that $50 computer, reformat the hdd, and install my new copy of windows 7 from the installation disc without activation issues? I also still have the old installation disc for Win XP if that would work better...I'm just trying to get around the activation issue...even if it's an issue! Or, should I look into cloning instead? I just hate the idea of buying a new copy of windows just because I've changed hdd's, it's still my computer!

 

But in this situation his new machine is more then just a new hard drive. Its all new system components. Basically yes it would be not right, and you could have problems with activation, but i dont think you will have to many issues if its been a fair amount of time sense you have installed it and tried to activate it. Personaly i recommend you purchase a new copy.