Windows 7 OEM version new motherboard

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azaaza0909

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I know there are a lot of questions about this but I want to be sure.

I have an OEM version of windows 7 that came with my HP desktop when I bought it a few years ago. It wasn't delivered with a windows CD, I had to reinstall it through the BIOS a while back.

My motherboard is dying however, the slot for the GPU doesn't work anymore so I want to replace it. This means a new MOBO, CPU and GPU. Is it possible to keep using my version of windows 7. I've read that you need to reinstall windows when changing your MOBO and when you call microsoft they'll usually give you a new activation key. How would this work when I don't have an installation CD?

If it's not possible to reactivate it, would it be possible after I upgrade to windows 10?(would prefer not to upgrade) Or is my only option buying a new version of windows to install on the new system?
 
Solution
geofelt
Your copy of windows 7 is oem which is theoretically tied to the motherboard.
If you can find an exact replacement for the motherboard, that is all you need to do.

Before you change anything, find your current activation key for windows 7. It should be on a sticker someplace on your pc.
If you can't, run a free app called "magical jelly bean keyfinder"

Replace the motherboard with one with the same chipset and specs if possible, or as close as you can.
Attempt to boot with your windows hard drive. If you can, then install the motherboard drivers that came with your motherboard on a cd.

If you can't boot with your old hard drive, download or borrow a windows 7 dvd; any will do.
Then do a clean install.

You may or may not be able to...
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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OEM license is indeed tied to that original motherboard. Whether it be the old Win 7, or Upgraded to Win 10.

It WILL require reactivation, it may require a clean install.
The only entity that can authorize reuse of that license on new equipment is MS. Often, they are lenient. But they are not required to do so.

Without a Win 7 install?
I'd suggest Upgrading to Win 10 and then swap hardware.
Be prepared for a full reinstall, and be prepared for just buying a new OS.
 
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azaaza0909

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Oct 22, 2015
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I don't mind doing a full reinstall but how would I go about this since I don't have an install CD?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Upgrade to Win 10 first.
Swap hardware, reinstall Win 10, and then beg MS to allow that activation on the new hardware.
They may say yes, they may say no.

You can obtain the Win 10 install from here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Your copy of windows 7 is oem which is theoretically tied to the motherboard.
If you can find an exact replacement for the motherboard, that is all you need to do.

Before you change anything, find your current activation key for windows 7. It should be on a sticker someplace on your pc.
If you can't, run a free app called "magical jelly bean keyfinder"

Replace the motherboard with one with the same chipset and specs if possible, or as close as you can.
Attempt to boot with your windows hard drive. If you can, then install the motherboard drivers that came with your motherboard on a cd.

If you can't boot with your old hard drive, download or borrow a windows 7 dvd; any will do.
Then do a clean install.

You may or may not be able to activate. If necessary, a phone activation can be attempted; MS is lenient on this so long as they do not think you are a pirate.
The key question to answer is that this copy of windows is used nowhere else.

If all else fails, you will get an opportunity to buy a new activation code.

If you really want windows 10, that is another matter. You can always do that later.

And... if you are going to do a clean install, take that as an opportunity to install on a SSD. disconnect your hard drive which will stay unchanged if anything goes wrong.
 
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Solution
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azaaza0909

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Oct 22, 2015
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Thanks for the reply, I'll try this since I would prefer to keep windows 7 instead of windows 10.
 
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