Reformating from recovery discs with a new Motherboard?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
X

Xendalmodrow

Reputable
Apr 6, 2014
38
0
4,530
I just got a new motherboard as well as a new Graphics card and PSU but I am wishing to keep my old hard drive. I currently have windows 7 home premium but only on my HDD and recovery discs, I don't own a hard copy, only what came with my original PC.

I wanted to reformat my HDD so I could start from scratch but as I said I only have recovery discs and didn't know if this would work.

So Can I use my Recovery discs to reformat my drive or do I have to go out and buy a new copy of windows?

If I do have to buy a new copy should I upgrade to windows 8?
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
Aug 18, 2009
128,614
1,778
159,590
With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 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.


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
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
okcnaline

okcnaline

Splendid
Nov 17, 2013
8,083
5
26,965
I assume you have an OEM recovery disk. That's tied to your old motherboard, as there's a SLIC table in your old motherboard's BIOS that automatically activates the computer. Since your new motherboard doesn't have that filled in, it might not activate unless it's a preactivated image or has a serial code on the recovery disk.

And yes, you should upgrade to Windows 8. The time is ripe for new features and it's actually extremely usable with a new update to Windows 8.1 (get that from Windows app store).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
X

Xendalmodrow

Reputable
Apr 6, 2014
38
0
4,530
So in other words. I need a retail version and my recovery discs are pointless. Only place to buy windows would be from a PC shop I assume aswell..

Guess I might aswell update to windows 8 then. Or just an OEM windows 8 version. Which is more expensive then my motherboard :S
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
okcnaline

okcnaline

Splendid
Nov 17, 2013
8,083
5
26,965
Well, it might not be fully pointless. Recover or use your old motherboard, and install RW-Everything. Find something on the logo bar that says ACPI. If there's a SLIC table, then your recovery disk are useless. If no MSDT or SLIC, then you might have a chance.

A better idea yet: What's your old motherboard's brand? We can find out if your recovery disks are useful.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom