Installed Windows 7 (OEM) onto HDD and MOBO, had to return MOBO, will I get a new product key?

MangoSmasher

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Feb 27, 2014
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Got my entire build up and running, got windows installed and low and behold the Ethernet chipset on my mother board (Z87-GD65 Gaming) was "faulty" according to MSI customer service. Newegg is exchanging it free of charge but my question is... Will I be able to get a new product key for Windows? I have heard they are pretty easy going when it comes to this but I have a week to ponder so I figured I might as well ask.

Also as a follow up question, I was looking at switching it from my 1TB HDD to a 256GB SSD, any further complications I would run into? How Might I go about booting from the SSD and doing a complete reinstall? My uneducated guess is to just switch the SSD to where the HDD was plugged in (slot 1) and boot from the Windows CD.

 
Solution
1. Boot your current HDD.
2. Run the Windows Easy Transfer Wizard to backup your profile, data, & program settings (use an external drive to hold the backup)
3. Remove the HDD and install the SDD in its place.
4. Install Windows on SDD.
5. Install all Patches & Updates.
6. Connect the external drive containing your previously created backup.
7. Run the Windows Easy Transfer Wizard to restore the backup.
8. Reinstall all desired software.
9. Enjoy the new system.

MangoSmasher

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Feb 27, 2014
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4,510


Awesome, any knowledge on the follow up question?
 

MangoSmasher

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Feb 27, 2014
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Okay, I think I understand what you're saying. So in my current situation, (Windows installed on my 1TB HDD, waiting for my MOBO exchange, yet buying an SSD by then) I should boot the new MOBO with just the SSD installed and the Windows disk in the optical drive.
 
1. Boot your current HDD.
2. Run the Windows Easy Transfer Wizard to backup your profile, data, & program settings (use an external drive to hold the backup)
3. Remove the HDD and install the SDD in its place.
4. Install Windows on SDD.
5. Install all Patches & Updates.
6. Connect the external drive containing your previously created backup.
7. Run the Windows Easy Transfer Wizard to restore the backup.
8. Reinstall all desired software.
9. Enjoy the new system.
 
Solution