I have an activated Windows 7 installation on a HDD atm that I want to move to an SSD. I want to use the Windows backup function, but I'm not sure about a few things.

1. Do I have to create a bootable disc? Or can I just create the backup file on an internal HDD? How would I "execute" this backup file on the HDD if doing a fresh restore on an SSD with no OS on it?
2. After restoring, do I have to reactivate? Or is it already activated since it restores it the way it was when I backed up?
3. If no reactivation required, then what if I changed some hardware (Mobo in particular) and then restored (using OEM version), would it still function? Or do the activation files keep a log of all hardware at the time of activation?