Will Windows recognize a replacement motherboard of the same model?

I understand that Windows can get a bit...upset...if you change the motherboard without telling it, i.e. last time I upgraded my motherboard, I just whacked the new board in, and windows wouldn't boot because it thought it was a different computer...or something. If I am getting a replacement motherboard for a faulty one, which is the exact same make and model, but a different board, will I still need to do that "prep windows" thing which lets windows know you are going to be installing a new board?

Thanks,
Tom

Unfortunately my version is indeed OEM, what would you suggest? Can it hurt to prepare windows anyway? Even if I didn't need to? (And could anyone jog my memory on how to do so :) )

Thanks, Ill give it a go. Fingers crossed it all works :).

An OEM license is supposed to be bound to the first PC it's installed on. The PC is defined by its motherboard - you can replace anything else.

However, if the motherboard fails, you're allowed to replace it with an exact copy, or a manufacturer's designated replacement if the original is no longer available.

If you have an exact replacement, there should be no problem with drivers. You may still have to activate Windows again. The network controller will have a different MAC address, and that's one of the major triggers for activation.

You may have to activate by phone, but you should be fine whether you do or not. What you're doing is consistent with your license agreement.