Using same copy of win7 with new cpu & motherboard?

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derpa

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Jun 21, 2013
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I'm going to update my pc with a new motherboard, ram and cpu. Can I use the same harddrive with windows 7 64-bit in the new rig? Do I need to install new drivers before or after replacing? Unïnstall current drivers? Or do I need a clean harddrive and fresh win7 install?
Anything else I need to know to make it work?

Old setup:

Intel e8500 dual core
Asrock P5q Pro (s775)
4gb DDR2 1066

New setup:
Intel 2600k
Asrock Z77 extreme4
8gb DDR3 1600

Thanks a lot for helping!
 
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leo2kp

leo2kp

Distinguished
Oct 9, 2006
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You really should reinstall Windows if you're replacing your motherboard. If it was just CPU and RAM, no need. But with motherboard, yes. And download the latest drivers before you install Windows. Windows likely won't have your network adapter drivers available, so you won't be able to get online until the driver is manually installed.
 
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jitpublisher

Splendid
May 16, 2006
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There are 2 areas of concern.
1. what version of windows is this? Retail, you are okay to proceed. Retail version of Windows is yours, to do with whatever you please as long as it is only installed on 1 PC at a time. You can reinstall it as many times as like, on as many different computers as you like, as long as its only 1 at a time.
OEM, you cannot use it again on new build. OEM version is only ever good for install on 1 computer. The License cannot be transferred to a new machine. You CAN physically install it, but you will have to buy a new license from Microsoft to get it activated.

2. Actually moving the drive to the new computer. You can try it and see. Sometimes it will work, sometimes it won't. It is best to format the drive and do clean install when moving to a new machine. Even if it does boot, and you load all the new drivers etc, it can exhibit flaky or buggy behavior at times later on down the road. The best way to proceed is to save all your important data and files to an external drive somewhere, and do a fresh install on the build.
 
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D

derpa

Honorable
Jun 21, 2013
16
0
10,520
Luckily I have the retail version of win7 so I'll just backup my files and clear my drive for a fresh installation. Thanks a lot for the help guys, much appreciated!
 
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