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Upgrading motherboard with OEM windows

Forum Motherboards & Memory : General Motherboard - Upgrading motherboard with OEM windows

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mman28   07-25-2009 at 09:54:30 PM

I want to upgrade my motherboard but there's just one problem. I have an OEM version of Windows Vista that came with my computer and I can't upgrade the motherboard without getting a new windows product key. I really want to avoid this. Would it be possible to install the new motherboard, install the Windows 7 RC, and then use my upgrade copy of Windows 7 to do a clean install? Would this work or would I run into problems?

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sminlal   07-25-2009 at 11:24:41 PM

I'm pretty sure that the upgrade won't accept a Windows 7 RC installation as a valid prerequisite. If would be a pretty huge hole if Microsoft were to allow that, since Win7RC is widely available for free.

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Bronze Motherboards badge o1die   07-26-2009 at 01:33:36 AM

You can use a dell oem vista dvd to get around your proprietary windows copy. After formatting and reinstalling vista, just activate online using the product coa number on the side of your case. I did this with my compaq presario after changing boards. The dell dvd's are sold at some software venders, such as 9software, and a few others listed on pricewatch under "operating system". You can also google it.


Message edited by o1die on 07-26-2009 at 01:34:38 AM
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mman28   07-26-2009 at 02:25:27 AM

I came across this article which, if i understand it correctly, says that the Windows 7 RC will count as a qualifying previous version. So would I be able to install that after installing the new motherboard and have everything work after I upgrade to the real thing?

"The only good news I learned from all of this, is that the Windows 7 RC will serve as a qualifying previous version (assuming of course that it’s activated)."

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/n [...] _installed

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Bronze Motherboards badge o1die   07-26-2009 at 05:33:40 AM

If you already have a premium or pro version of xp or vista. Vista home basic doesn't qualify for the recent upgrade sale. I had one ordered, but cancelled when I found out my vista basic wouldn't qualify.

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mman28   07-29-2009 at 11:17:46 PM

so using the Windows 7 RC and then upgrading to the real thing would not work, right?

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