richc46 is on the right track.
Long story:
I bought two brand new HD 5770's, both exactly the same model and everything for two new very similar custom builds. I tried to upgrade the BIOS on the first card as advised by owners of this specific card but the card did not like it, I was now facing a bad flash and bricked card. Because I was in a hurry to finish the build, I stuck in the other unopened HD 5770 (exact model) into that computer which already had Windows 7 OEM installed. To my surprise, Windows automatically shut down once logged on with the unopened card. At first I thought maybe the unopened card was DOA and I had to send back two dead cards on RMA and I did not have the time to do so. Luckily I have a retail version of Windows 7 myself and stuck the unopened card into my system and voila, the card worked. I then extracted the original BIOS from the unopened card that the manufacture did not want to send me even after multiple attempts trying to contact them (no name mentioned here) and flashed it onto the bricked card. After a successful original BIOS from the bad flashed bricked card, I tried the now restored bricked card again in that first custom build with Windows OEM already installed and again voila, Windows worked without a hitch.
Before all this I already knew that Windows OEM is tied to your hardware but I thought that only meant your motherboard, CPU and possibly hard drive (because that where Windows is installed). But after the nightmarish of an experience, I think it's safe to say Windows OEM is tied to every single piece of your hardware even if you get a replacement that is exact same model it does not mean is the same VIN, SIN or whatever Windows OEM uses to detect and identity the piece of hardware so it can be tied to your Windows OEM serial verification.
Question:
Do you know if your Windows 7 is OEM, did it come pre-installed from manufacture or custom builder with purchase?
Continued,..
If so as
richc46 has already mentioned, a re-install of the operating system is highly advised since you've made a big hardware change (CPU, motherboard, hard drive) and Windows OEM as mentioned again above is tied to your hardware.
You can contact Dell for Windows installation discs, download a clean ISO of Windows 7 (version you have) or if you know someone exact version OEM disc you need, this would be the easiest, fastest and most economical way to get your hands on copy of the Windows installation disc.
Just use the serial number found on the back/side of your computer case (Microsoft sticker seal) when re-installing Windows.
Good luck and have fun!
