What happens to my os if I change my mobo and processor?

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Rophoxxx

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Jun 19, 2013
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Hey guys, Ill be changing my motherboard and processor and I was wondering whats going to happen to my operating system, windows 7. The problem I have is that I dont have any of the disks that come with windows 7 because the computer I have already had it on it when I bought it. Any help would be great, Thanks!:)
 
Solution
SchizTech
In case the PC starts up but doesn't boot Windows, burn a disk with the appropriate version of Windows from the link above. Check your system, right-click on Computer and that will indicate which version of Windows 7 you have (32 or 64 bit, Home Premium or something else). Most likely you'll need 64 bit Home Premium. DO this before you change the mobo/cpu and if you need to, boot the PC from the DVD.

Start the PC with the DVD in the drive, usually HP uses F9 to get to a boot menu. Press F9 repeatedly until it gives you a choice of boot devices and choose the DVD. Follow the screens, format the hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. When the installation is complete, run the install disk that came with the new...
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SchizTech

SchizTech

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Jan 16, 2011
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It may boot or it may not. It's hard to tell with 100% certainty whether you would need to re-install Windows. However, you'll probably need to re-activate Windows even if it boots; you'll need the 25-digit product key. Where did you buy this PC? If it's a pre-built PC like a Dell or HP or whatnot the key should be on a sticker somewhere on the case.

if you need a disk to re-install, the .iso images are available here: http://www.w7forums.com/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads-t12325.html

Use disk burning software with the option "burn image to disk" and select that .iso file. You'd need a blank DVD.
 
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rex4235

rex4235

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Jun 9, 2012
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Most times you will need to reformat. Chipset drivers are installed when the OS is. There are ways to circumvent a reformat but not usually advised.

When you say you lost your discs, that likely means you have/had a system builders (OEM) copy of Windows and even if you had the disc it would become invalid since the key is bound to the motherboard
 
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Rophoxxx

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Jun 19, 2013
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Thanks! And it was a prebuilt hp pavillion and Ive been upgrading it lately, and I bought it at sams club. And im not seeing a sticker anywhere, do you know of any other place I could possibly find this key?
 
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Rophoxxx

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Jun 19, 2013
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So does this mean that I have to get a new copy of Windows?
 
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coastie65

coastie65

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May 26, 2010
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Thed sticker should be on the back. It would be a Microsoft sticker with a long Alpha - Numeric number ( 25 digits I think ).
 
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SchizTech

SchizTech

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Jan 16, 2011
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In case the PC starts up but doesn't boot Windows, burn a disk with the appropriate version of Windows from the link above. Check your system, right-click on Computer and that will indicate which version of Windows 7 you have (32 or 64 bit, Home Premium or something else). Most likely you'll need 64 bit Home Premium. DO this before you change the mobo/cpu and if you need to, boot the PC from the DVD.

Start the PC with the DVD in the drive, usually HP uses F9 to get to a boot menu. Press F9 repeatedly until it gives you a choice of boot devices and choose the DVD. Follow the screens, format the hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. When the installation is complete, run the install disk that came with the new motherboard to install the needed drivers. Use the key on the sticker to activate Windows (activation status appears in the System Properties window when you right-click Computer and go to Properties)

You will lose all data and programs on the drive when you format. You can use an external HDD to back up any files you don't want to lose, and re-install your programs.
 
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Solution
Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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Aug 18, 2009
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Windows7-2.jpg



OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com


Windows8-1_zps0f2f36f7.png



Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
 
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SchizTech

SchizTech

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Jan 16, 2011
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The key that comes on the sticker is an OEM key but it's not what's used to activate the factory-shipped copy of Windows. The manufacturer uses a volume licensing key on all the PCs, so the key on the sticker hasn't been activated yet. It may activate, and then tie itself to the new board.
 
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