activation after hardware change


  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 7 Pro
       #1

    activation after hardware change


    Hi,

    I installed Windows 7 Pro retail upgrade on my computer that I put together myself 2 years ago (MSI motherboard and Intel Core2 Quad). About the time I got everything installed and working I started to have problems. First I bought a new hard drive, then it became apparent the motherboard was faulty. I had to move the SATA cable around on the MB to find a connector that worked.

    Along the way in solving these problems, I installed Windows 7 multiple times and think I activated it 2 or 3 times. The last time I had to activate it was after moving the SATA cable to a different connector on the MB. That required activation by phone.

    Now I have ordered a new motherboard, CPU and RAM but am hoping to be able to use my existing hard drive with Window 7 installed on it. If this doesn't work, I will have to do a complete reinstall of Windows 7 and all my apps again. This time there will be a new CPU and MB, but same hard drive. I am pretty sure Windows 7 will have to be activated again. How many times do they let you do this? Is there anyway I can let Microsoft know ahead that I am going to be making more changes? Thanks.

    Zaffer
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,840
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
       #2

    I dont think that would do any good.. just telephone them and explain your problem, and you should be ok ... A suggestion .... start making images of your system drive and you wont have to worry about activating your OS....

    Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,344
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #3

    you don't need to let Microsoft know anything in advance.
    Just update your computer and use the same hard drive.
    I changed Motherboards and did this and it worked without any changes or activation.
    If yours is a Retail version I believe you can put it on different computers as long as you only have it working and activated on one of them.
    If you have problems just ring Microsoft and they are very understanding and will help you.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2
    Windows 7 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks, sounds good.

    Zaffer
      My Computer


 

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