Im getting a new mobo and i have a preinstalled windows 8 hard drive

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remesama

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Oct 5, 2014
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So basicly i got my windows 8 key from my OEM hard drive i was wondering if i could cleanly install windows 8.1 or windows 8 because i dont have a Disk
 
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Darkbreeze
If your OS came installed on a Windows 8 prebuilt machine, the key is likely tied to the BIOS which won't be transferable on a change of motherboard for an OEM version of the OS. It's considered a new computer and may or may not work. I've seen it work. I've seen it refuse to work.
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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If your OS came installed on a Windows 8 prebuilt machine, the key is likely tied to the BIOS which won't be transferable on a change of motherboard for an OEM version of the OS. It's considered a new computer and may or may not work. I've seen it work. I've seen it refuse to work.
 
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remesama

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So all i would do is install my mobo and hope for the best?
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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If you're installing a new motherboard you will want to reinstall windows. It's not a good practice to leave an existing installation of windows after making a major hardware change. Starting with a fresh install will ensure no troubles due to leftover bits and pieces or driver conflicts from the previous installation occurs.

You would need to create installation media and you need a product key for this. If your system came with a sticker that has a product key on it you're ok, if not there are utilities that will help you extract the product key from the registry. You can find information for automatically creating windows 8 and windows 8.1 installation media by googling it. Same goes for the product key utility.
 
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remesama

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How would i find a legit installation media
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Can't help you with that. Strictly prohibited here at Tom's. If your system was a prebuilt that came with a licensed version of windows and has a valid key, or your windows version was purchased independently and is not a pirated version, I could help, but I can't help in any other regard.
 
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