Do I need to buy windows 7 again if I get a new mobo?

FlamingManTits

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Jan 1, 2014
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I am going to buy myself a new motherboard and CPU do i have to purchase a new copy of windows 7? or can I just re install from the disk I already have?
 

USAFRet

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Maybe. What is the copy you have now? Retail, or OEM?

Retail...no problem.
OEM...Microsoft may be lenient and allow a new activation with the new motherboard. They are under no obligation to do so, however.

You'll probably have to go through the phone robot to activate.
 

FlamingManTits

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Jan 1, 2014
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I think I have OEM. It is a custom built PC if it helps. The top says OEM System Builder Pack

 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


The license for Win 7 OEM is tied to the first motherboard it is installed on.

MS almost always allows reactivation for a direct replacement for a failed board.
They may allow reactivation for a newer, better motherboard. But, as part of the licensing, they are under no obligation to do so.

Try and see.
Only one PC at a time.
 

FlamingManTits

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Jan 1, 2014
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Do you have a website/phone number I can call? I want to ask microsoft, but I see there is a charge. I want to call MS before I make my purchase.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Buy the new hardware.
Try the install.
See if it activates online.
If not, then try the phone robot activation.

 

ceh4702

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Jan 1, 2011
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If it is an OEM copy and you just chose to upgrade the motherboard and processor and RAM, then it is technically not acceptable. If the motherboard failed then technically it is permissable.

Microsoft doesnt have enough storage space to store every activation forever. However, if you were a pirate and tried to install the same license on more than one computer they would figure that out rather quickly.

I dont think they should be allowed to write an OEM license like they do. In EU an OEM license is transferable because the EU decided how they license computers is illegal.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


The licensing was written that way, because you are buying the license from whoever installed the OS. HO/Dell/Gateway/YourLocalDude. If you were to then install that OS license on a different PC (different motherboard), who then is responsible for providing support for that OS? The company you bought it from? They no longer have any financial stake in your new PC.

The licensing for Win8 has gotten MUCH looser. "OEM" is no longer tied to a specific motherboard.
 

FlamingManTits

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Jan 1, 2014
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Well, I just bought a new CPU, Mobo, and RAM. I guess I will figure out the answer shortly. I am hoping that everything works, but if not, looks like i'll be buying a new version of windows....or possibly the steam os. hmmmmmm....