Changing Mobo & CPU Questions


  1. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 x64
       #1

    Changing Mobo & CPU Questions


    Hello! I'm changing from an AMD Mobo + 965 chip to a Intel z77 board and i5 CPU

    I've read around and wanted to just ask a few questions:

    Is really necessary that i need to re-install windows?

    I've read some things about having to actually buy another copy of Window 7 is i switch Mobos if i use OEM (??) - Is that true? this is the copy of windows i purchased - Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - Operating Systems
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 679
    Windows 7 professional X64
       #2

    You need to reactivate, not necessarily buy a new copy or install it again.
    However it is advised to perform a clean install, and backup your existing data/ create a system image/ use sysprep.

    A clean install seems the better option to me, specially since you are changing chipsets.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,573
    Win7 Ultimate X64
       #3

    Agreed clean install is always the best option IMO, if you are strongly against this you can run the sysprep tool which will give you a hardware free system image ready to deploy on another machine/different hardware
    Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 x64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Okay that sounds fine, I have one more question though about reactivation since I've never done this before

    Is there a process i need to go through to first DE-activate the current windows 7 on my computer before i hook everything up to the new parts and RE-activate it?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2,573
    Win7 Ultimate X64
       #5

    Not sure you going to be able to move it, OEM is a one licence one machine deal
    HELP! Need to transfer OEM Win 7 key to new machine
    How old is the install ?
    I believe i have seen similar threads where transfered due to hardware failure and MS has activated through phone options but im no expert, see what others think
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 2,606
    Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1
       #6

    Licensing FAQ

    Such a license is not permitted to be transferred to a new PC. I quote:

    Q. Can a PC with an OEM Windows operating system have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?
    A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty.
    The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the End User Software License Terms and the support of the software covered by those terms. The End User Software License Terms are a set of usage rights granted to the end user by the PC manufacturer, and relate only to rights for that software as installed on that particular PC. The system builder is required to support the software on the original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PCs with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define the original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created. The original system builder did not manufacture this new PC, and therefore cannot be expected to support it.

    (end of quotation)

    Also, if you used a System Builder OEM license for a machine for personal use, you've violated the license agreement. Such a license is intended for machines that are built for resale. (Don't worry about it. As far as I know, there's no enforcement of it. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the SB licenses sold by Newegg end up for personal use.)

    I have read claims by people who have had Microsoft provide activations codes for a "repaired" computer, where the repair replaced essentially everything. That's up to Microsoft's discretion. If they tell you to buy a new license, they are within the terms of the license agreement.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:47.
Find Us