Windows 7 - Motherboard upgrade, Windows 7 install questions.

Hello, my name is Sam and I'm currently going through my first motherboard upgrade and I have a few questions.
First, will a new motherboard/CPU upgrade do anything to my harddrive?
Second, is a clean Windows 7 install via USB install method recommended?
And as a last question, will all I need is my activation key?
Thanks for any help and sorry for so many questions!

Hello Sam, welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

The upgrade will not affect your hard drive.

You can install using a Windows DVD or a USB drive. As far as I'm aware the USB drive will give you a quicker install.

Clean Install Windows 7

You may or may not have to reactivate Windows as Microsoft say you would need several hardware changes at the same time such as motherboard, hard drive, RAM etc. to trigger an activation request. Providing you have a genuine product key you can use the automated telephone activation service if need be. In any event you've got up to 30 days to sort out any problems arising from a hardware upgrade.

Whatever you do, don't forget to backup any important personal data - just in case.

Thanks for the quick reply, so with a new Motherboard, CPU, and RAM, I shouldn't lost any HD info. Also wondering if this forum would mind helping me with ensuring the upgrades would work with my current system?

Check through the Windows 7 Hardware Compatibility Centre for the particular hardware you are thinking of upgrading to.

Windows 7 Compatibility: Software Programs & Hardware Devices: Find Updates, Drivers, & Downloads

The Windows Upgrade Advisor can also give you advice before you upgrade your hardware.

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=20