New mobo/cpu/RAM without reinstalling windows?

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Sciro

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Feb 28, 2015
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I have never changed out a motherboard, cpu, or RAM for that matter. I have installed a new graphics card and PSU though. My questions is can I install the new mobo, cpu, and RAM and then boot up my computer from my hard drive that has my windows 7 home premium installed on it? I cannot locate the cd for windows or the key.

My current system.
Phenom II x4 925
Asus msq m4n68t mv2 (b)
4GB ram

My goal
i5-4690K
I have not selected a specific mobo yet.
8GB ram
 
Solution
barto
Technically yes. However, the likelihood the boot will be successful is low and there's a couple reasons for that. First, the version of Windows. If you purchased an OEM version of Windows 7, you'll have to buy another copy of Windows because W7 OEMs are tied to the motherboard. If you purchased a retail version, you'll be Ok. The second reason it most likely won't work is because of the many drivers installed that the new motherboard might try to use. It is possible to uninstall all of the motherboard/chipset etc drivers only to install the new ones, but this also doesn't always work.

The best thing (with least amount of headaches) is to format and re-install Windows. You can also find the Windows Key...
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barto

barto

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Technically yes. However, the likelihood the boot will be successful is low and there's a couple reasons for that. First, the version of Windows. If you purchased an OEM version of Windows 7, you'll have to buy another copy of Windows because W7 OEMs are tied to the motherboard. If you purchased a retail version, you'll be Ok. The second reason it most likely won't work is because of the many drivers installed that the new motherboard might try to use. It is possible to uninstall all of the motherboard/chipset etc drivers only to install the new ones, but this also doesn't always work.

The best thing (with least amount of headaches) is to format and re-install Windows. You can also find the Windows Key.
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/productkeysactivation/ht/windows-7-key.htm
 
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Sciro

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Feb 28, 2015
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I think mine may be an OEM version. It was preinstalled on the computer when I purchased it from newegg. It is an IBUYPOWER pc, at least to start with. So i'm going to assume then that I need a new OS. I do have a free windows 8.1 full version however it is just a card with a key that was given to my dad at a trade show, no cd. I'm not sure if that is of any use in this situation or not.
I'm guessing I can't get around this requirement of a CD to boot from without purchasing a new OS, is that correct?
 
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Sciro

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Feb 28, 2015
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Well that is a bummer, a new OS is an expense I wasn't expecting, oh well you learn as you go I guess. My current hard drive does make a little noise from time to time, i've been told they can do that and last a long time still or possibly crap out at any moment. Maybe I will look into a new hard drive and OS and pretty much start then with an all new system except for my case.
 
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