Windows 7: Looking to use current Win7 OEM product after Motherboard RMA

Hello, I recently had hardware failure that resulted in myself RMA'ing my motherboard. It is my understanding that I will be receiving the same model of motherboard, but a different unit. Am I eligible to use my current Windows 7 product on my computer after I receive my replacement motherboard? Specifically I'm using Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM.

Yes, you should not have any problem. If you do, use the phone method to active.

After RMA my motherboard with the same motherboard but different serial number and Bios. I had to do the phone call with Microsoft. It took about 5 minutes.

I wonder if their serialization construct is sophisticated enough to incorporate a code for the motherboard identifier... How can they know if you've replaced it with the same model? Technically the OS is "bound" to the MB once the OEM software is activated and according to Microsoft rules, it is non transferable unless it's an exact replacement.

It all depends if you get another key, correct ?

^ I think it's the same operating system as before, same product number and license key. It's just a question about getting the operating system activated on the new motherboard. If it's the same motherboard model, Microsoft should OK it. But, I'm curious if they'll do it when you upgrade your motherboard to something better but otherwise the same system. If they have no way of verifying, then it shouldn't be a problem.

I like you cytherian do wonder how Microsoft knows. All I can tell you is they knew and it was easy to solve.

You get someone on the phone in a good mood, anything is possible.

Mobo make/model is the most important identifier in the hardware signature used to decide whether an installation holds activation after hardware change or reinstall. A number of other components can change but not the mobo make/model.

The same model mobo will almost always reactivate without problem or even hold activation if you boot the extant OS on it.. If not then as suggested use Phone Activation as all reports are the MS will make exceptions on mobo change with good excuse and yours is as good as they get.

OK, so there is a hardware signature sent to Microsoft that they probably have an automatic look-up for, that will show whether or not a hardware change has occurred (meaning change of a motherboard). Interesting...