New MB and hard drive... can I reinstall Windows 7?

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    New MB and hard drive... can I reinstall Windows 7?


    I'm getting a new motherboard, hard drive, and graphics card today. I want my Windows 7 installation to be on this new hard drive instead of the old one. Am I going to have problems getting it activated? Is there some sort of proper deactivation process I need to do? I heard that your hardware is taken into account for whether it's a legitimate reinstall on the same system... is this true? Are these changes going to make the system "different" to the point that it won't consider it the same computer?

    For the record, my old motherboard works, it's just that I'm swapping it out for a new one. I'm putting my old one in my dad's computer. So, if there's something I need to do while the old parts are still in my computer, that is still very doable.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 9,606
    Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
       #2

    Is you windows version a Full Retail or a Mfg. OEM version ?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3,139
    Systems 1 and 2: Windows 7 Enterprise x64, Win 8 Developer
       #3

    This answer pretty much applies to your situation. Courtesy of Brock...
    Windows 7 Uninstall - Install Question
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Oh, right, I should have clarified. It's OEM, but I installed it myself. Does that make a difference? I bought the disc at New Egg: Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - Operating Systems
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #5

    Hello Try4ce, welcome to Seven Forums!







    That type of OEM Windows is forever tied to the first motherboard it is installed to and can never be legally moved to another PC, it lives and dies with that mobo.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    What's the best option, then? Buying another copy at New Egg, or can I install my current disc and buy another code for the same or less?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3,139
    Systems 1 and 2: Windows 7 Enterprise x64, Win 8 Developer
       #7

    Try4ce said:
    What's the best option, then? Buying another copy at New Egg, or can I install my current disc and buy another code for the same or less?
    Buy a full copy from a reputable source. Since it's coded to the mobo, moving the hard drive wouldn't help.

    Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Ah well. I'd assumed the low prices on the OEM versions was the way to go, but I guess I've learned I may as well buy the retail box.

    If I make upgrades and want to reinstall in the future with a retail copy, can I call Microsoft and get permission to reinstall and reactivate? I guess it'd make it worth the extra cost.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #9

    You don't have to contact MS at all except on-line for the re-activation with full retail.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 3,139
    Systems 1 and 2: Windows 7 Enterprise x64, Win 8 Developer
       #10

    Try4ce said:
    If I make upgrades and want to reinstall in the future with a retail copy, can I call Microsoft and get permission to reinstall and reactivate? I guess it'd make it worth the extra cost.
    Yes.

    Activate Windows 7 by Phone
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  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 06:52.
Find Us