So i bought a totally new motherboard new cpu using the old odd and hdd. Bios boots up fine but windows cant boot obviously. This is the first time ive upgraded the motherboard and cpu. So my question is do i have to buy a new windows license or can i somehow use the old one on my old hdd?
Windows 7 new motherboard
- Thread starter Leizar
- Start date
Solution
With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 (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 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.
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...
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...
house70
Splendid
- Apr 21, 2010
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You should be able to use the license, if it is a retail license. You'll need to perform a repair-install of the OS, followed by a re-activation. Your old installation does not recognize your PC in it's new configuration.
Worst case scenario, you'll need to perform a clean install.
Worst case scenario, you'll need to perform a clean install.
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
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With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 (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 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.
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
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
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
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
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,614
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Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,614
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Sometimes if you use the automated phone activation it will activate , but not always.
Try it , if it's a no go , new license time.
Try it , if it's a no go , new license time.
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
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You need to have the phone activation window open while you call.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows#1TC=windows-7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows#1TC=windows-7
- Oct 30, 2004
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You can never use an old OS install on a HD and move it to *new* hardware .... think about it, you boot the machine, it posts, the OS starts loading drivers for hardware that is no longer there ..... and you do not have hardware for drivers that is there..... not a good situation.
As to the validity of your license, if it is an OEM license you **may** have an issue with activation. It is oft wrongly stated that a MoBo invalidates the OEM license. This is not always the case as I have replaced any MoBos and CPus w/o issue. It's been a somewhat common activity of late in fact as users have brought back failed 1156 MoBos (2 resulting from over tightening mounting mechanisms on CPU coolers) where if ya replace the MoBo, ya need a new CPU also. By sticking with the same brand, you will likely wind up with the same or similar NICs, sound, hardware which will not trigger a *change* as far as the activation goes.
The only way to know however is to reinstall the OS...... I'd not consider a "repair" and go straight for a fresh install..... repairing won't remove all traces of the old drivers and can lead to bloat and conflicts. If you have trouble activating, call Microsoft and explain that you had a hardware failure and the new MoBo was the closest upgrade replacement available to you.
As to the validity of your license, if it is an OEM license you **may** have an issue with activation. It is oft wrongly stated that a MoBo invalidates the OEM license. This is not always the case as I have replaced any MoBos and CPus w/o issue. It's been a somewhat common activity of late in fact as users have brought back failed 1156 MoBos (2 resulting from over tightening mounting mechanisms on CPU coolers) where if ya replace the MoBo, ya need a new CPU also. By sticking with the same brand, you will likely wind up with the same or similar NICs, sound, hardware which will not trigger a *change* as far as the activation goes.
The only way to know however is to reinstall the OS...... I'd not consider a "repair" and go straight for a fresh install..... repairing won't remove all traces of the old drivers and can lead to bloat and conflicts. If you have trouble activating, call Microsoft and explain that you had a hardware failure and the new MoBo was the closest upgrade replacement available to you.
Dark Lord of Tech
Retired Moderator
- Aug 18, 2009
- 128,614
- 1,778
- 159,590
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