Win7 OEM re-activation due to hardware crash/replacement

[chisau7]

As succinct as possible:

1. I have 2 computers - one running Win7 Pro x64 (main computer for work and gaming) and the other running Win7 Ultimate x64 (second computer)

2. Both Win7 installations are OEM.

3. The second computer has been sitting dead for close to a year because the motherboard died and I have not really wanted to spend money getting it running until now.

4. The route I am taking is to upgrade the main computer (motherboard, CPU, and RAM) and put the current "main" motherboard, CPU, RAM into the 2nd computer.

Logic would dictate that I ONLY upgrade the 2nd computer and make it the main computer. However, the Main computer has an SSD Hard Drive in it and the 2nd one does not. So, I'd prefer to keep the SSD HD for it's speed. That's why I've chosen this convoluted replacement process. There are other reasons for the convoluted process if you need elaboration let me know.

I did see a person ask about upgrading and keeping their license. I'm not sure if Microsoft views reasons for hardware changes due to failure differently. I suppose it's a matter of luck?

And thank you all for your time/effort.

 

[gregrocker]

OEM license lives and dies with the mobo. Once you change mobo unless you use the exact same model it will fail reactivation. Any other hardware can be changed and should survive reactivation.

 

[ramendra]

I have recently had to change motherboard on my dell laptop due to some video card problem. I have windows 7 installed on my machine and now getting reactivation problem. Please let me know how can i solve this problem as i had recently purchased windows 7 and dont want to purchase another license just for this problem.

Thanks, in advance
Ramendra

 

[andrew129260]

This is true

OEM license lives and dies with the mobo. Once you change mobo unless you use the exact same model it will fail reactivation. Any other hardware can be changed and should survive reactivation.

@ramendra

See above gregrocker response.

Also, you are replaying to a thread over a year old. Please create a new one.