Do I have to reinstall windows if I install a new motherboard and cpu

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jordanr25

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Jul 5, 2013
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I'm going to be upgrading my CPU & Mobo in a few days and I want to know If I have to reinstall windows, I've looked at many threads and they all have different answers. Some have said I just need a new Win7 Key and all kinds of stuff. So I'm very confused at this point. And If I do have to reinstall is there a way I can keep all my files or any site that I can upload my files? Thanks
 
Solution
modernwar99


Open control panel, click "System and security", then click "System". Scroll to the bottom where it says "Product ID". If the second set of characters says OEM then yes, you will have to repurchase windows 7 if you change motherboards. Windows 7 OEM is tied to the first motherboard it was activated on. As for backing up files, you could try Dropbox...
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modernwar99

modernwar99

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Jul 9, 2014
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Open control panel, click "System and security", then click "System". Scroll to the bottom where it says "Product ID". If the second set of characters says OEM then yes, you will have to repurchase windows 7 if you change motherboards. Windows 7 OEM is tied to the first motherboard it was activated on. As for backing up files, you could try Dropbox, but there's probably a GB limit for free accounts. Best choice would be to run a backup on an external HDD.
 
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yoji

yoji

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Jul 1, 2011
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If you have an OEM version of Windows.. you will need a new key (Ms considers it a new PC if you change Mobo).

If your Mobo is very similar to your Old Mobo (i.e. it uses the same chipset) you MAY get away with your current Windows install working on your new mobo... the more "different" your new mobo is to your old.. the less likely it is that this will work.
You should assume it wont work and will need a fresh install.

HTH
Cheers
 
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

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IF you bought a Dell, Gateway, etc. then it is a OEM Windows which can ONLY run (it will NOT work, will NOT install, will NOT start, etc.) on the Mobo, CPU and sometimes that PC CASE it was sold with (Thanks Gateway!!!) ONLY. IF you BUILT your PC yourself or a custom build shop, then normally the BUILDER'S EDITION was used to install on the PC, and that can transfer to any other PC BUT..... you will need to probably do the MANUAL method over the phone depending how many times it has been 'reinstalled'. Just a tedious extra step of typing in all 40 Alpha numeric keys on your phone then back onto your computer.
 
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Wolfshadw

Wolfshadw

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Regardless of whether you have a Retail or OEM version of the Windows OS, you will be required to reinstall the OS. The currently installed OS is looking for old hardware/drivers/settings/registry and it will not conform to your new hardware. The OS will need to be reinstalled.

The question everyone else is answering is whether or not you will be required to purchase a new license.

-Wolf sends
 
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