Do I need to reinstall Windows when switching my motherboard?
- Thread starter Sharks445
- Start date
Solution
MalakiArtook
Honorable
- Mar 5, 2014
- 1,374
- 0
- 11,660
You might. you will need new drivers at the very least. Call microsoft and tell them your MOBO failed and you got a replacement. they will do it.
You shouldn't need any drivers as long as it is the same motherboard, unless maybe it is a slightly different version of the same motherboard.
I RMA'd a motherboard and got it back recently and had to dial Microsoft. They have an automated process where at the activation screen, you can look up the phone number and dial it. The automated voice will ask you how many computers do you have it installed on, and you should answer 0. Then the automated voice will ask you to enter in 20? numbers that are displayed on your screen after you click on get help or contact or whatever. Then it will confirm that you are okay or not and give you 20 new numbers to put into the boxes on the screen to activate.
I RMA'd a motherboard and got it back recently and had to dial Microsoft. They have an automated process where at the activation screen, you can look up the phone number and dial it. The automated voice will ask you how many computers do you have it installed on, and you should answer 0. Then the automated voice will ask you to enter in 20? numbers that are displayed on your screen after you click on get help or contact or whatever. Then it will confirm that you are okay or not and give you 20 new numbers to put into the boxes on the screen to activate.
techgeek
Splendid
- Apr 11, 2004
- 5,297
- 9
- 29,965
It's always advisable to do a fresh install when installing a new motherboard. If you try to boot with the old installation, in many cases it will BSOD before you get to log in.
As for not being able to transfer the product key from one motherboard to the next, Rationale is correct if we are talking about Windows 7 and older. However since MicroSoft did away with the Retail version of their OSes with Windows 8, that restriction only applies to System Builder machines (HP, Dell, etc), you should have no trouble using Windows 8 on another motherboard. You just can't use it on more than one system at a time, just like the older Retail versions.
As for not being able to transfer the product key from one motherboard to the next, Rationale is correct if we are talking about Windows 7 and older. However since MicroSoft did away with the Retail version of their OSes with Windows 8, that restriction only applies to System Builder machines (HP, Dell, etc), you should have no trouble using Windows 8 on another motherboard. You just can't use it on more than one system at a time, just like the older Retail versions.
TRENDING THREADS
-
Question I’m going to build a budget pc these are the specs open to advice the budget is £500
- Started by NotSure25
- Replies: 4
-
Question should i put the new 3050 lp in a sff hp g3?- Started by jordanbuilds1
- Replies: 12
-
-
News Chinese may be evading Nvidia GPU sanctions with Dell, Gigabyte, and Supermicro servers: Report- Started by Admin
- Replies: 4
-
-
Discussion What's your favourite video game you've been playing?- Started by amdfangirl
- Replies: 3K
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram