Will graphics card upgrade force reactivation?


  1. Posts : 30
    Windows 7 RTM x64 (desktop), x32 (HTPC)
       #1

    Will graphics card upgrade force reactivation?


    Hi folks,

    I'm about to swap out the ATI HD4550 in my HTPC with an ATI HD5670. This computer is W7 Home Premium 32, OEM version.

    The 4550 card removed from the HTPC will go into a desktop PC, replacing the ATI 3450 there currently. This desktop PC is W7 Home Premium 64, installed as a clean install using into the previously-Vista partition usingthe upgrade installer I bought as part of the student deal (the digital river fiasco).

    Both installs are clean and were done into freshly created partitions (which had Vista until I used the W7 installer to remove the old partition, create new ones, and install into there.

    Will the card swaps force reactivation or anything like that? I have the product keys (they are legit) but just trying to prepare in advance for whatever will happen.

    Marc
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    99% chance that you will be ok

    Just install do not give your key and do not check the box to aciviate automatically.

    When done use for a while, When satisfied, activate with the number. If there is a problem use the phone number that will be provided.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,403
    Win 7 Ultimate 32bit
       #3

    I doubt they will,, I have never had to reactivate from a Video card upgrade
    But if they are ligit keys,, it won't matter anyway and should be a simple activation through the net wor by Telephone. Either way,, it should not be a problem...

    For the most part,, activation is tied to the Mobo these days, and/or to multiple hardware changes.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 12,364
    8 Pro x64
       #4

    Nope. A simple card upgrade is fine.

    Tepid said:
    For the most part,, activation is tied to the Mobo these days, and/or to multiple hardware changes.
    +1
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 30
    Windows 7 RTM x64 (desktop), x32 (HTPC)
    Thread Starter
       #5

    richc46 said:
    99% chance that you will be ok

    Just install do not give your key and do not check the box to aciviate automatically.

    When done use for a while, When satisfied, activate with the number. If there is a problem use the phone number that will be provided.
    Actually I've already activated (back last year when I installed W7 originally) so my concern was with it forcing a reactivation (and the need to dig through boxes to find my product key, yadda yadda).

    Sounds from all the responses that it probably won't need to reactivate but if it does it's not a huge deal I guess. Just annoying.

    Marc
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #6

    You will not have a problem, as the other posters have mentioned. I used 99% because the only things that are certain are death and taxes.

    Good luck
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,470
    Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition
       #7

    OEM editions are tied to the motherboard graphics upgrades are fine.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 5,840
    Vista Ult64, Win7600
       #8

    And The only things certain for cab drivers are death and taxis.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,470
    Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition
       #9

    jfar said:
    And The only things certain for cab drivers are death and taxis.
    ok as jfar is saying just because it's supposed to work one way doesn't mean it's guaranteed to. but if you do end up having a problem we will be here to help.
      My Computer


 

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