Can I download Windows 7?

[AuroraHD]

Okay, so I just installed a new motherboard, with the same hard drive. My dad told me I can burn a disk with Windows 7 and install it on my new motherboard and use my old product key. But my product key was preinstalled on my system. Is this a LEGAL, way? Or is my dad wrong?

 

[aldan]

glad you got it sorted out.on more than one level it seems.take care.

 

[AuroraHD]

glad you got it sorted out.on more than one level it seems.take care.

One last thing, is it okay to drag all my files from old.windows to my current windows folder? Also, do I need to reinstall my Nvidia drivers, or maybe install my cpu drivers or motherboard drivers? Still new to all this.

 

[aldan]

you should be able to drag your files from the windows old folder to their new location.yes you will need to reinstall the drivers.cheers.

 

[AuroraHD]

you should be able to drag your files from the windows old folder to their new location.yes you will need to reinstall the drivers.cheers.

Do I need to install motherboard drivers as we'll?

 

[aldan]

yes,go to the motherboard manufacturers site for the chipset drivers.

 

[AuroraHD]

I can't seem to find the chipset drivers. I only see the bios updates. May you please link my to the drivers? Thanks

 

[aldan]

post your sytem specs and lets see what we can do.

 

[AuroraHD]

post your sytem specs and lets see what we can do.

Mobo: Asus Gryphon Z87
CPU: i5 4670
GPU: GTX 760
Windows 7 x64

 

[aldan]

have you tried here?
http://support.asus.com/Download.aspx?SLanguage=en&m=GRYPHON+Z87&p=1&s=45

 

[AuroraHD]

Ah, i see. what version of the chipset section do I download? The titles are different

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[AuroraHD]

Is it ok to delete the old.windows folder after copying over everything?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Yes it is and it will give you some storage space back.

 

[AuroraHD]

Ugh copying files from old.windows is going to take 1 day. Do you think deleting current windows folder and renaming the old one to "Windows" will work?

 

[aldan]

Ah, i see. what version of the chipset section do I download? The titles are different

i noticed that too.its not really clear is it? did you get a driver disk with the motherboard? i would contact your motherboard maker on the site from the link and see if they can shed any light on this.

 

[kwangso123]

there are varying opinions on this.technically your oem licence is tied to your original hardware,but this is where the phone activation comes in.try the regular activation first,chances are it will work.if it doesnt use the phone method.the phone method is usually automated but sometimes you will have to explain your situation to a microsoft employee.just tell them your motherboard crapped and you installed a new one.ive never,nor has anybody i know,ever had a problem doing this.cheers.

Okay, so I've downloaded the ISO file. Do I drag to desktop and extract it? I got a folder with some contents in it. I'm doing it correct, right?

Just don't forget to burn the file on physical DVD as well...just for backup