Windows 7: Win 7 Motherboard Upgrade - OEM Licence help

Hey there,

I got this PC a year or so ago, and I am about to upgrade the Motherboard, CPU and RAM for it. I've read around that my previous OEM licence (That I've used every time I've needed to do a fresh install on this PC and worked fine) will no longer work with the new motherboard.

I would like to know what exactly it is that ties the motherboard to the OEM key. Is it the MAC code, or the Serial Number of the Motherboard. I don't think that's all of it, since people said you can use the same model motherboard and it will activate fine.



My PC is OEM from a very small local PC builder (so not Dell, HP etc).

Thanks.

It is the fact that OEM keys are meant to be installed on the same hardware as it was originally installed on. MS takes a reading of the hardware when activating and ties that key to that hardware. It is not just one thing. Activation can fail if you change multiple pieces of hardware even if it is on the same motherboard. Like you add or change out HDDs, RAM, switch out CD/DVD drives, install a new Video card, any number of things can trigger a new activation. Not just replacing the motherboard.

You may be able to call MS and get it Re-Activated but don't count on it.

I have replaced SSD and Graphics Card, re-installed several times and activation has never been a problem. Does this mean replacing my motherboard should be fine too?

No. You will need to re-Activate. Whether MS allows it to go through is up to them.

Sorry but what part of "Tied to the Hardware it was originally installed on" don't you understand.

Whether or not replacing any part of a system triggers Re-Activation is up to how MS deals with it. With XP just changing out DVD drives and upgrading RAM made one of my systems call for Re-Activation. 7 is supposed to be more forgiving in this respect but changing out the motherboard is really a NEW System.

I just wanted to know specifically what it was.

Question: What part is tied to it?
Answer: The motherboard serial number.
COUNTER ARGUMENT: If you replace the motherboard with an identical model, a new OEM key is not required.
New Question: So if it's not serial number, what part is it?

BIOS? MAC Address?

OEM Licenses are valid whatever the hardware, so long as the motherboard has not changed.If the motherboard has changed, then it's up to the whim of the MS activation agent as to whether you'll be allowed to activate or not. - they have guidelines to follow, and can't deviate from those, once they are input into the script they have.

It is NOT tied to ANY one piece of hardware or any number, like a serial #, Specifically. Although replacing the motherboard with a different model will definitely trigger re-activation.

Replacing all other components, RAM, HDDs, GPU, DVD drives or upgrading the CPU even on the same motherboard, all at the same time or one component at a time, may or may not trigger re-activation.

A hardware hash key that was created with your old motherboard and components will be registered with Microsoft's activation database.

You could call the automated activation telephone number and providing you tell the activation wizard that the software is installed on one computer only, you'll be given a new activation ID.

Activate Windows 7 by Phone

You can also reinstall Windows (which I certainly would advise given your hardware changes) and activate it using the COA (Certificate of Authenticity) product key attached to your computer.

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

No.
Changing the motherboard (almost) ALWAYS requires activation intervention by an operator.
If the Key is OEM, they will not allow the change unless certain specific criteria have been met.

I have in the past used the automated activation wizard after a motherboard change.

What I omitted to mention was that you need to remain on the line without saying anything until you are put through to an activation technician.

Telling them that you've replaced hardware will normally be sufficient to get you a new activation ID.