How do you reinstall windows again onto a different motherboard?

[crosbycail]

I plan to get a new cpu soon which requires me to upgrade the motherboard as well. How would I keep the same version of windows now and reinstall it with the new motherboard without buying another activation key? Thanks

 

[clutchc]

If it is an OEM license, legally you can't.

But what I would do is use the installation disk to do a clean install. You will have 30 days of normal use before it starts nagging you to death to activate it. And if you go to activate it, there's a 50/50 chance it will be accepted.

If not, you simply get directed to an automated site and voice activated phone service where you are asked if the current copy is on another machine. If you say no, you'll have another 50/50 chance of them giving you a new code to type in. And you are good to go.

Even if you are unlucky up to this point, you will still be given the opportunity to talk to a rep and personally explain why you want to move the OEM license to another machine. I'm sure you can come up with a logical explanation. Maybe your gxf card burned up and fried your motherboard?