What do I do about my OS when changing from hard drive to SSD

I am going to buy a SSD to replace my current hard drive. My question now is, how do i transfer my OS and other stuff created on it to my new SSD. I assume I need to create an image of my current drive and do something along these lines: [1]Create image of drive which now holds Win7 and sits on the C: drive. [2] install new SSD drive [3] Copy image from old HD to new SSD. Shut down PC.
It is here that things get fuzzy. Do I remove my old drive at this point and before the system boots up go to my BIOS and tell it where C: my boot drive now sits or......?
Oh and another thing. Will Microsoft now think I have a new PC or something? I mean would I need to re-register my win7 serial number or what-have-you?

 

Hi pintree3, I don't think that installation of a new HD has ever worried MS. Not a problem. Have a look here: Install Intel SSD.http://download.intel.com/support/ssdc/hpssd/sb/intel_ssd_installation_guide_g17251.pdf
Cheers Neil.

 

Thanks. It's not the installation of the HD itself that worries me. I've already added HDs before. It's adding one and making that the main one that runs the OS and then removing the one which had it. When a computer boots, it boots from the drive that has the OS. In this case that drive wouldn't exist anymore for a new one would take its place, hence my having asked all the questions which I asked. My question being will Microsoft now thing I have a new PC hence the licence wouldn't be valid?
As to the Intel instructions of the pdf you linked me to. It's quite good thanks. It seems to refer to intel software and not those of the drive i'm buying. I'll have to look into it deeper to see if it is downloadable to anyone and if it can be used with mine. Thanks again

 

Hi pintree3, I don't think you can "clone" your OS to the new SSD.
I think you will have to do a fresh install from DVD of the OS on the SSD, then transfer your Files etc over using the facility in Windows OS (W7).
Someone with more knowledge on this topic will hopefully jump in and lay out the procedure to follow. Neil.

 

Arie is right. I've used Samsung, Intel and OCZ SSDs and all came with migration software to transfer everything from the HD to the SSD.

Your worries involve OEM/System Builders licenses - the type that typically come with factory assembled computers. You can legally upgrade/replace everything in your computer without it considered being a new PC except the motherboard. Replacing the motherboard is replacing the heart and soul of the computer and unless replacing with an identical model motherboard from the same maker due to original board failure, it is considered a new PC and requires a new license.

Only full retail licenses can legally be transferred to a new computer (assuming it has been uninstalled from all other computers it was previously installed on).

THAT SAID, if me, I would be prepared to do a fresh install anyway - AT THE VERY LEAST, make sure you have a current backup of any data you do not want to lose.