Re-install Windows 7 to new motherbord

[gerry410]

Hello all, I built my computer about 18 months ago. The specs are listed below. Recently, I was unable to boot the computer. I have removed and reseated all the components using different SATA ports for the SSD, HDD storage and CD ROM drives. So I’m not sure which component is causing the problem. I suspect it is the SSD because the mobo detects both the HDD storage drive and the CD ROM regardless of which port they are connected to, including the one the SSD was on. I have already RMA’ed the SSD and am waiting for the replacement.
When the replacement comes and if the mobo doesn’t detect the new SSD I will then assume it’s the mobo and replace that. Correct?
My next question.
If I need to replace the mobo will I have to purchase a new Windows 7 installation disk?

Thanks all!!!

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

What type was the OS ? OEM or Retail?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Retail can be used again but OEM will not activate unless it is the same motherboard.

 

[cybneo]

Yep sounds like a bad SSD. You can try using the same Win 7 key. Usually they allow a few activations. If anything you can call MS and they will add more activations to that key.

 

[gerry410]

Retail can be used again but OEM will not activate unless it is the same motherboard.

Hello Mr. 51 and thanks for your quick post. I love that about Tom's I never have to wait long for an answer. By retail you mean that I purchased an installation disk? Which is what I did.
This is the fist computer I built myself and I'm learning as I go.

 

[cadder]

You will have to look at your OS disk or its original packaging to see what you bought, but in the end I don't think it matters in your situation. Here are the possibilities:

Windows:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116716

Windows OEM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116983

The difference is the OEM, and the price. The short explanation is that the OEM version is restricted to the computer that it was first activated on, and cannot be moved to another computer. When you installed a new motherboard, you "built a new computer" and the OEM OS is not allowed to be activated on it. HOWEVER it has been said that if your old motherboard dies and you have to replace it, then that is the one situation where you can activate the OEM OS on the new motherboard. You might have to call MS and tell them that this is what you are doing, but it sounds like you might be in the situation of legitimately replacing a failed motherboard.

 

[gerry410]

HOWEVER it has been said that if your old motherboard dies and you have to replace it, then that is the one situation where you can activate the OEM OS on the new motherboard. You might have to call MS and tell them that this is what you are doing, but it sounds like you might be in the situation of legitimately replacing a failed motherboard.

Hi Cadder and thanks. I'm sorry to say that my install disk says OEM. Hopefully, it is a problem with the SSD and not the motherboard so this won't be an issue. If it turn out to be the motherboard I guess I will call MS and try and plead my case.

 

[nikorr]

Hello Mr. 51 and thanks for your quick post. I love that about Tom's I never have to wait long for an answer. By retail you mean that I purchased an installation disk? Which is what I did.
This is the fist computer I built myself and I'm learning as I go.

He, area51reopened meant if u bought a Retail version, the more expensive version that comes in the nice box with support and rights to be used over and over again.

The OEM comes cheaper, and it comes as a DVD+booklet with rights to be used only for that one computer u build with limited rights to allow u to make small hardware changes only.

---------
Windows 7 Versions [Explained]
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/23305-63-windows-versions-explained

 

[gerry410]

Best answer selected by gerry410.

 

[nikorr]

Thanks for the vote : )

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr.