New MoBo Same Boot HDD and Mem. Need to Re-Activate?

[Manigue]

Brink's tutorial on "How to activate Win 7 online" states when you may need to activate online again based on certain conditions. My case is not listed, so I need to ask. (I upgraded from Vista 64 which came with the Gateway to Win7 X64.)

I will be replacing the existing generic Mobo that came with my Gateway for a new ASUS P6TD Deluxe. I will use my existing Boot disk and backup drives as well as memory and all other hardware. Just moving and connecting existing components and accessories from one Mobo to another. (Bios will be different also).

Will I need to re-activate Win7 or will it remain activated upon booting with new MoBo?

Thanks.

 

[MadMaxData]

Although I can't be absolutely certain, I can only imagine a hardware change like that will require reactivation. Also, since your changing motherboards you should do a clean install. It's not very practical to do it any other way, and your OS might not even load with a whole new motherboard anyway.

 

[Product FRED]

I agree 100% with MadMaxData. You should perform a reinstallation anyways, a clean install.

 

[Mark Phelps]

Since your Gatway came with Vista preinstalled, it was most probably an OEM version that was activated using the BIOS. That same version of Vista could NOT be activated on a different brand motherboard.

When you updated, did you use an OEM version or a retail version?

IF it was OEM, you almost certainly need to reactivate since OEM versions can generally only be activated once automatically.

If it was retail, keeping the same HDD and changing only the mobo might NOT be enough to force reactivation. However, I was forced to reactivate in Vista when I added more memory. Don't know if they carried this limitation over to Win7.

Agree with the others that a clean install is the best overall approach for a new machine.

 

[Wishmaster]

Once you get the new MOBO installed, your best best will be do a CLEAN install of 7.

If you were just changing the CPU, RAM,GPU, Hard Drive, etc .. Imaging the current install over would be fine.

But ... <<<New Motherboard = Clean Install>>>

The new MOBO should come with all the drivers you need. Just check thier website for that board and download the latest Win7 Drivers ahead of time , just in case you need them. Although 7 should take care of the basics w/the installer

When you instal 7, Do not enter a Product Key.

Once your up and running, enter it and try to activate.
It may or may not work. If not, activate by phone.


Worst case scenario, youll need to call MS and explain what happened, and they will activate you manually.


You might be able to image everything over as it is, but it will come with problems.

I would highly suggest a clean install.

~~remember to back up all your DATA (pics,music,vids,documents etc)

 

[Manigue]

To MadMaxData; Product FED; Mark Phelps and Wishmaster:

Thanks for your replies. You all convinced me. I will do a clean install. Guess I'am too anxious to replace MoBo with a better one and was not thinking possible negative consequences. Agree with all of you.

Wishmaster; Why not enter product key until up and running? Just curious.
Have Original Windows 7 upgrade since same day it was available for sale. Did not have problems when I upgraded from Vista 64 back in Oct/09.

A co-worker told me I should "De-activate" before I do anything with the hardware. Is there such a "Deactivation" procedure? Could not find info here in the forum.

 

[Wishmaster]

Sometimes with upgrade discs, the installer will not let you continue with a clean install if youve installed & activated previously.

It's easier IMO, to just leave it blank, and activate once inside Windows.

Online Activation may work inside Windows, but if not, no worries.

Just do the Activate by phone, or worst case scenario call up MS and tell them whats going on. They will get you squared away so long your key is legit and only being activated on the 1 PC. Thats all they are concerned with.

 

[MadMaxData]

When you instal 7, Do not enter a Product Key.

Once your up and running, enter it and try to activate.

Personally, I would even go one step further, and advise that you not actually activate Windows until all your programs are installed, and everything is comfy and cozy. From what I understand, even some individual programs, as well as multiple program installations can trigger a reactivation process. I would encourage anyone to try as best they can to avoid this process. It can be very time consuming, and even possibly cost you some money. So I would wait until the PC is set up how you like it, with all your software applications installed before you activate. Could save you from a big fat headache.

 

[MadMaxData]

Is there such a "Deactivation" procedure? Could not find info here in the forum.

No, there's not.

 

[Manigue]

Thanks guys. I'll do as you all recommended. New MoBo should be in tonight. Will change Saturday morning. I'll post the outcome of this task.

 

[MadMaxData]

Thanks guys. I'll do as you all recommended. New MoBo should be in tonight. Will change Saturday morning. I'll post the outcome of this task.

Your very welcome, and good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Duke of Alinor]

Supporting the clean install suggestion and adding what happened to me. I changed my CPU, was testing one for a friend, and lost the activation. Phone Activation worked, but all in all it was not very pleasant. Be sure you are done with hardware changes before you do your clean install.

 

[Wishmaster]

I like to Install the OS, and basically activate right away.

Run Windows Update, and install Acronis. (Or whatever Imaging software you choose Acronis,Paragon,Macrium Reflect)
At this point Image the Entire Drive. And save that Image somewhere safe, or burn it to a disc.

This way you always have a clean starting point, with Windows activated and nothing installed save for the imaging software.

Then install all major software and make another Image (as MadMaxxData has suggested).
Certainly a good practice.
IMHO, Image often so long as space isnt a huge concern.
You can always delete a system image, but you can not go back to create one.

Everyone has their own method, but this is my personal preference.

 

[jasin]

A clean install like MadMaxData said is best.

 

[Manigue]

Ok. Changed bad Motherboard for new one. Did as recommended by many here at the forum and performed a clean install.

Called the 1-800# to re-activate. Had no problem at all. Glad I listened to all who said "Do a clean install".

Everything works fine and Win 7 was re-activated.

The hardest part was re-installing and configuring all applications one at a time, but hey; that's part of the fun!

For anyone out there who has to change MoBo also; "CLEAN INSTALL".

Thanks guys.

 

[Wishmaster]

Nice! Glad to hear you got it all worked out.