If i swap my motherboard will my OS still be fine?

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ButtcrackMcGee

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Nov 30, 2012
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i had a random Dell PC and over the years ive upgraded and im finnally changing the motherboard but i dont know if the OS wil still be fine, i dont have a disk or anything so i dont want to have to pay 100 bucks for a new OS. or can i just download it off the internet? i have my activation code.
 
Solution
Dogsnake
If you are using Win7 or 8, you will most likely be asked to re-activate the OS. Windows will detect the system as new hardware that does not match the OEM license. If and when this happens, a call to MS might get them to issue a new activation but probably not. Also the current OS wil not recognize the MB devices until you install the new chip set drivers. You may have to install other hardware drivers also.
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Dogsnake

Dogsnake

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If you are using Win7 or 8, you will most likely be asked to re-activate the OS. Windows will detect the system as new hardware that does not match the OEM license. If and when this happens, a call to MS might get them to issue a new activation but probably not. Also the current OS wil not recognize the MB devices until you install the new chip set drivers. You may have to install other hardware drivers also.
 
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tiny voices

tiny voices

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Sep 6, 2012
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IF you have a legit windows key, you can call microsoft and explain that you have changed the motherboard. They will probably give you a new key and deactivate the old one.

I have done this before.
 
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 0EM you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.


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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ButtcrackMcGee

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Nov 30, 2012
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so if i give my activation code i really could try that?

 
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