Upgrading Computer CPU

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Hichew

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Apr 20, 2013
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Hi I am about to upgrade my CPU to an i5 4670k but to do that I need to change my motherboard. I heard that you need to re-install windows 7 if you change your motherboard since I want to continue to use the same harddrive. My problem is that I want to purchase a SSD and then install my windows there and also use my Harddrive at the same time. On my previous computer when I tried to install Windows vista on 2 different harddrives i got a windows genuine, is there any way to prevent this?
 
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mbreslin1954

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Nov 27, 2010
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If you change your motherboard and have an OEM copy of Windows, or anything BUT a retail version, you will have to buy a new Windows license. It doesn't matter which hard drive you use, the changing of the motherboard causes Windows to authenticate or activate again, and if it's the same license key, it will fail activation unless the key is a retail version (more expensive than OEM).
 
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mbreslin1954

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Nov 27, 2010
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You can try to use the same license key. Many years ago I did it with Windows XP and, after phoning Microsoft upon activation failure, they asked if there was a new motherboard and I said "yes" and they said sorry, you need to buy a new copy of Windows. Then, years later I did the same thing again with XP, and after phoning Microsoft, all they asked me was how many computers was the license key being used on. I said one (which was true), and they gave me a new activation code.

So it's hard to say how lenient they will be. It can't hurt to try, but be prepared to buy a new Windows license if they deny you.
 
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