Would I be able to re-use my windows 8 key when upgrading my prebuilt pc's motherboard?

jupiter78 · Feb 14, 2015

My Cyberpower pc currently has a motherboard that has an incompatible motherboard for it's CPU. (MSI P34 fx fx 8320). I need a new motherboard but I have recently heard you need to install windows again when changing your motherboard. My computer did come with a win 8 product key and disc of course but the disc states, "for use with a licensed Cyberpower pc). Does this mean I cannot use this key to install windows on a new motherboard? If so, is there any way I can retain windows on my pc and still swap the motherboard. The current motherboard has an insufficient TDP for the fx 8320.

Also I do not know if the Windows 8 that was pre-installed on this computer is OEM or not.

Windows 8.1**

i7Baby · Feb 14, 2015

You should be OK. Its still your one and only PC. You're allowed to change the motherboard.

jupiter78 · Feb 14, 2015

I just got done talking with a Microsoft support tech. My windows is the OEM and I have to purchase a new OS if I upgrade my motherboard. <edited>

i7Baby · Feb 15, 2015

There's been cases here where they've allowed a PC change. Maybe it's the difference between buying an OEM copy yourself and buying a PC with it pre-installed.

HertzKnight · Feb 17, 2015

Since you have the product key and installation disk, you should be fine. I haven't tried it in a long time, but I was able to install windows on a new motherboard several times without calling up Microsoft ever. So it is up to you. I never used a prebuilt pc windows copy though before, just OEM copies of windows/free copy of windows through school.

USAFRet · Feb 17, 2015

For a prebuilt OEM install, yes, that license is tied to that original motherboard.
If it had been an install that you bought and installed, reinstall on the new hardware would be OK.

USAFRet · Feb 17, 2015

Read the MS licensing agreement here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/IntellectualProperty/UseTerms/Default.aspx

i7Baby · Feb 17, 2015

If "My Cyberpower pc currently has a motherboard that has an incompatible motherboard for it's CPU. (MSI P34 fx fx 8320)"

shouldn't Cyberpower sort this out for you?

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Would I be able to re-use my windows 8 key when upgrading my prebuilt pc's motherboard?

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