Need help getting old HDD to work with new computer.

[Menthall]

I bought a "Dell in a box" when my first computer went down while I was transfering from one base to another. I needed something to hold me over while on leave, so I gave in and bought a comp at Wal-Mart. It had a HDD with MS 7 OS already on it. I just recently put together a new system, and bought a new HDD. I have no idea how to transfer all my old content over to the new system. I did not get a disc for the OS in the box, but it does have recovery discs. Any help is appreciated, and be aware that I have very limited knowledge on computer "maintenance".

[lockblock]

Generally you aren't able to transfer the OS from a store bought computer to another. But you could try downloading and installing the same version that is on the dell then using the key from the dell then call up ms and say it broke so that you may activate on the new system. Just make sure to wipe windows from the old system after all is done or you will end up with it being blacklisted. That being said I recommend copying any personal files to the new system before activating windows, then prompty formating the old drive.
also you should use a hairdryer to remove the license sticker and apply it to the new machine

[Heywes]

You could use the old hard drive as a boot drive but i wouldn't recommend it (then running the new hard drive as spare drive).
Other then that, you could potentially get the key from your current hdd off it and use that key after installing the same version of windows onto the new drive.
You can download windows and run the trial, after 30 days the trial expires but microsoft will still allow you to do 90% of things you would do other wise.
As for getting your files off (i actually think thats your question, woops), once you have an OS on the other drive, you can boot from it with both installed and then just navigate your way to the files you want and drag and drop them over to the new hard drive to transfer them over.

sorry if i missed what your asking, i only just got up. i hope i helped.