Upgrading Motherboard. Don't have my Windows CD.

Sonny Milbourn

Reputable
Oct 3, 2014
8
0
4,510
Not sure if this is in the right place.

My specs are:
8GB DDR3 (4x2)
AMD FX-8350
XFX R9-280X
Gigabyte ga-78lmt-usb3
Windows 7 64bit

I am upgrading to an i7 4990k, So I am getting the MSI Z97 GAMING 7 mobo.

I have read that there is a way that I can keep my data by installing the new mobo drivers before install. Would I need to delete the existing drivers or would the new mobo ignore them?

Also, could somebody give me and simple walk-through on how to delete the drivers (If needed) and how to know which ones to delete? I know I can download the drivers from the motherboards website but could somebody point tell me what the correct ones are.
The download links are here (http://uk.msi.com/support/mb/Z97_GAMING_7.html#support_download)
 
If it is a prebuilt system they definitely used an OEM copy. You WILL have to reinstall windows and when you do the Key will not work. You can call microsoft and explain that you have just upgraded the motherboard and they might give you a new key, or they will tell you to buy a new key.

No matter what, you are reinstalling Windows.
 

Sonny Milbourn

Reputable
Oct 3, 2014
8
0
4,510


Windows 7 is only £25 on ebay.
I will try to call (Microsoft?) tomorrow, thanks.

 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Non-valid "Windows 7 is only £25 on ebay."
If you want/need a real license, it is more than £25.

And do NOT call MS first.
Swap parts, install the OS.
If it balks at activation, it will give you a phone number to activate via the phone robot.
If THAT fails, then call and talk to a human.

If you call first, they will say that you need to buy a new one.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Doesn't make it valid or legal.

Please describe how a £75 item can be routinely sold for £25.