Windows 7: Will a Windows 7 Upgrade version work in this scenario

Friends Gateway PC had motherboard failure. Replaced it with an aftermarket MSI mobo now the machine works great.

However I cannot get recovery discs from Gateway anymore, and I cannot access the recovery partition on the hard drive. According to Gateway support my only options are to purchase a new OS.



Will windows 7 upgrade work in this situation?

Another question: According to gateway the machine is no longer a "gateway" because the motherboard is what defines it as a Gateway PC. Since it is no longer a "gateway" can I purchase an OEM version of Windows 7 for this machine?

Thanks very much in advance.

ACM.

Try install from Sources folder, setup.exe

Thanks for your reply DMholt57, can you be more specific. I cannot see the sources folder, its protected by something called PC angel, and will not let me see it. How would I go about doing this?

Im good with hardware, but not so good with software

Thanks again!

You can do a clean install with a upgrade version. Keep in mind that is only legal if the computer originally had XP, Vista, or 7 installed, which it sounds like it did. For instance, it is a violation of the EULA to install a Upgrade Version, using the Upgrade key on brand new, home built computer.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

I think your idea about using builder's OEM is best since you have essentially rebuilt it according to the original OEM maker.

OEM has the best price break since you really don't qualify for Upgrade version under the EULA now that the presinstalled Gateway OEM died with the mobo.