Will my copy of Windows still be on my computer if I replace my motherboard and CPU?

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sneakishmonk

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I'm about to install a new motherboard, CPU, and RAM for my first time. My question is, will my copy of Windows 10 still be there when I boot up my PC with the new components? I would think that Windows would be stored in the hard drive, and I wouldn't need to worry because of it, but I'm just asking to make sure. Is there anything else I need to know before I go ahead and install the new stuff?
 
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USAFRet


False.
The OS does not care what drive you install, or reinstall, it on.

The relevant facts are the motherboard, and what is the specific license. WHere did the OS come from?
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aeko97

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I'm pretty sure that the only thing that affects software like the Operating System is really the hard drive itself.
 
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yoji

yoji

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You need be careful.. your Windows install will probably not work with your new motherboard.
A new motherboard usually needs a clean install of windows,
This is because core motherboard drivers are installed when you install window.. when you change the mobo - windows does not have the drivers for that mobo installed.. so it cant start up.. and since it cant start up - it cant fix itself... catch 22..
So you will prob need a fresh install of windows.
If the new Mobo is similar to the old one (same chipset etc) you can be lucky and it will work without a reinstall.. but don't bank on it.

Good luck
 
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sneakishmonk

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How exactly do I do a clean install of Windows 10?
 
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aeko97

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As far as sneakishmonk is concerned, his only issue is the operating system which is stored in the hard drive and can be read by any computer with it. I don't think other components affect software like that.
 
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lodders

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Yes your copy of windows will still be on the hard disk
No, it won't be any use to you,
Because if almost certainly won't work with new motherboard and CPU - unless your new motherboard is very similar to your old one, and you are lucky
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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False.
The OS does not care what drive you install, or reinstall, it on.

The relevant facts are the motherboard, and what is the specific license. WHere did the OS come from?
 
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yoji

yoji

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Wow.. its great that you attempting to help.. but that's terrible advice. Whilst it is technically correct.. its horrible, its liable to make the OP think all is OK. when the reality is that it is almost certainly not true. His "only issue is the OS" is a pretty big issue if it will not fire up. Sure any working computer can read that HDD.. but that's not at all what he is asking.. he wants to know if he puts that HDD in his machine with a changed MOB/CPU.. will it work.
The OP is clearly not super techie.. so some care needed when dispensing advice.

As I said - great that you trying to help :).. but please be careful :)
Cheers



 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Completely incorrect.
 
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sneakishmonk

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So when I install my new motherboard and CPU and clean install Windows 10, how do I activate the OS? I upgraded from Windows 7 and they never gave me a key.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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What OS is it currently?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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You reinstall you original WIn 7
Activate it (this may or may not work with your new hardware)
After activation and ALL the current Win 7 updates, then Upgrade to Win 10 again.

You current Win 10 'license' is a hash of your original Win 7 license key + info from your existing hardware.
Change the hardware (motherboard) and that license is no longer valid.
 
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sneakishmonk

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What if I don't have the key to my original Windows 7?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Is it still installed on the system and running?
If so, use Belarc Advisor. That will show you the Windows key, and a whole lot more info about your system.
 
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sneakishmonk

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Okay so I put in the new motherboard cpu, and ram, booted it up, and it looks like the system still recognized Windows 10! It booted up like normal. I guess i can go return the copy of windows 10 i bought from Best Buy haha. Thanks for the advice though!
 
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sneakishmonk

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Yeah it runs as activated and everything. Based on what everyone told me I was pretty convinced that it wouldn't run. Am I one of those "lucky ones" lol?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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If it remains activated, then yes.
 
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sneakishmonk

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Is there really a chance that it won't remain active? Why would that be if it's already active?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Wait until the next time its talk to the update servers. Or the time after that.
You are probably OK, but no guarantees.
 
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