Do I need to repurchase Windows 7 after changing motherboards?

BenCav

Reputable
Apr 20, 2014
13
0
4,510
I currently have an MSI 970A-G46 AM3+ motherboard which only has two SATA 6.0 ports. I need more for expansion, so I am looking to switch to an ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 motherboard, which has seven SATA 6.0 ports and more chassis fan headers than my current motherboard.

My question is, would I have to repurchase Windows 7 Home Premium if I switched my motherboards? I am perfectly okay with re-installing it, but I don't want to fork over another $100.00 for another version of Windows.

Current System Specifications:
-Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 AM3+
-Processor: AMD FX 6300 Vishera 6-Core
-Graphics: GIGABYTE Nvidia GeForce GTX 660
-OS: Windows 7 Home Premium OEM
 
Solution
You might be able to get away with reinstalling that OEM copy with the new motherboard. You'll probably have to activate using the phone, but it's relatively easy.

It's not a guarantee, but I've been able to reinstall my copy of W7 Pro on different setups at least 5 times now.
You might be able to get away with reinstalling that OEM copy with the new motherboard. You'll probably have to activate using the phone, but it's relatively easy.

It's not a guarantee, but I've been able to reinstall my copy of W7 Pro on different setups at least 5 times now.
 
Solution

BenCav

Reputable
Apr 20, 2014
13
0
4,510


 

BenCav

Reputable
Apr 20, 2014
13
0
4,510


What if i installed it onto a different hard drive (an ssd)
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Different hard drive, no problem. At most, you'd have to reactivate via phone.
Different motherboard, they may or may not authorize a reactivation. They are under no obligation to do so.
 

BenCav

Reputable
Apr 20, 2014
13
0
4,510


So; I would replace the motherboard, re-install windows, and then call Microsoft to activate? Do I uninstall windows, or will the windows installer give me the option to delete previous versions and start a clean install?