Got a new motherboard, lost my Windows CD. Any suggestions?

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Alvino H

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Sep 21, 2013
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I just bought new CPU, GPU, Ram and Motherboard, but it seems like my new motherboard can't run the windows that i already have installed on my HDD.

Since I can't find my Windows 7 CD or code, does this mean I have to purchase another windows and reinstall it? or is there another way to fixthis issue?
 
Solution
Dark Lord of Tech
Yes you will need to purchase a new license if it wasn't a retail version.


With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 (No more OEM versions) you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 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...
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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Aug 18, 2009
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Yes you will need to purchase a new license if it wasn't a retail version.


With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 (No more OEM versions) you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 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 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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Solution
Wolfshadw

Wolfshadw

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Aug 3, 2006
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A new motherboard almost always requires a re-install. If you had a retail version of Windows 7, I'd strongly recommend searching for the code again. You can legally download Windows from several sites, but it must be activated using your code. If this was an OEM version of Windows 7, it doesn't matter as the original code is tied to the motherboard and a new code is required anyway.

-Wolf sends
 
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M

mattck

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Feb 12, 2013
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if your hard-drive still has windows on it you don't have to reinstall windows (youtube and guides), there are tools to extract your windows key aswell so you don't have to buy a new key.
 
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