New
#11
Supporting the clean install suggestion and adding what happened to me. I changed my CPU, was testing one for a friend, and lost the activation. Phone Activation worked, but all in all it was not very pleasant. Be sure you are done with hardware changes before you do your clean install.
I like to Install the OS, and basically activate right away.
Run Windows Update, and install Acronis. (Or whatever Imaging software you choose Acronis,Paragon,Macrium Reflect)
At this point Image the Entire Drive. And save that Image somewhere safe, or burn it to a disc.
This way you always have a clean starting point, with Windows activated and nothing installed save for the imaging software.
Then install all major software and make another Image (as MadMaxxData has suggested).
Certainly a good practice.
IMHO, Image often so long as space isnt a huge concern.
You can always delete a system image, but you can not go back to create one.
Everyone has their own method, but this is my personal preference.
Ok. Changed bad Motherboard for new one. Did as recommended by many here at the forum and performed a clean install.
Called the 1-800# to re-activate. Had no problem at all. Glad I listened to all who said "Do a clean install".
Everything works fine and Win 7 was re-activated.
The hardest part was re-installing and configuring all applications one at a time, but hey; that's part of the fun!
For anyone out there who has to change MoBo also; "CLEAN INSTALL".
Thanks guys.
Nice! Glad to hear you got it all worked out.