OS help after mono swap

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JonnyLo

JonnyLo

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Jan 22, 2016
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Hello.. I need some clarification about Windows after a mobo swap. I have a Compaq Presario I have been upgrading slowly and have finally done the mobo. My issue is now with Windows not loading... after some research I believe the issue is that the windows 7 that came preloaded is registered to the stock board that came with the PC. I'm guessing I will need to purchase a new windows licence for this board... the machine powers up fine the board loads and then I get the message windows can't load possibly due to hardware change... it then tries to run system repair which can't fix the problem. Here's the questions #1 after purchasing a new disk will I be able to boot/load from the disk (I am going to upgrade to Windows 10) and #2 can I use an OEM system builder since this is a new mobo or do I need a full retail version? Keep in mind my hard drives are the same ones that have Windows 7 on them...I am not sure if the system builder will work as an upgrade to the system already in place. I hope this makes sense and someone can make sense out of it for me! I'm in a holding pattern with this computer all the hardware is installed and seems to be working correctly I just can't boot up my operating system. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
 
Solution
USAFRet
It's not booting due to the different motherboard. This is not unusual.
You will need to do a full reinstall. And your original OS is an OEM license, tied to the original Compaq motherboard.

What OS are you wanting to end up with? 7 or 10?
If you want Win 10, buy that. An OEM license is fine (if you're not expecting to change motherboards again)
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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It's not booting due to the different motherboard. This is not unusual.
You will need to do a full reinstall. And your original OS is an OEM license, tied to the original Compaq motherboard.

What OS are you wanting to end up with? 7 or 10?
If you want Win 10, buy that. An OEM license is fine (if you're not expecting to change motherboards again)
 
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Solution
CountMike

CountMike

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Oct 31, 2015
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It's driver compatibility issue, not licensing one. OEM Windows from brand name computer manufacturers usually contain drivers only for that particular computer. Moving it to new HW simply leaves windows without necessary drivers. Retail version, on the other hand, has a lot more universal drivers incorporated and it's enough to at least install OS and work enough to customize it with proper drivers.
Even if you installed Windows somehow, you would run into licensing problem because OEM windows are tied to particular MB and it's BIOS. You could change everything except MB and would retain license.
Best way would be to buy Windows 10 retail version and you will be able to keep it for long time and transfer it to another system once you decide to upgrade it again. MS is planing to keep W10 and upgrade it for long time, so buying it now may be a long range investment.
 
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corndog1836

corndog1836

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Mar 31, 2010
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By the way ... I missed you guyz.. I have been stuck in Fallout 4 for a while.... See YA
 
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JonnyLo

JonnyLo

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Jan 22, 2016
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JonnyLo

JonnyLo

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ok and if I want to keep windows 7 I found a disc on Amazon that is for reinstall on a system that already had windows 7 it should come with a product key as well this should be sufficient to get my motherboard running correct?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Completely unknown. There are many disks floating around that say this, and are simply a recovery thing you could have created yourself for free.
Do you have a link for this?
 
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JonnyLo

JonnyLo

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Jan 22, 2016
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JonnyLo

JonnyLo

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Jan 22, 2016
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