Im about to do a big upgrade need some general advice.

[TreeTerra]

In a few days im ordering some new parts for my computer and I need some help with what I should do with software. The specific parts im going to upgrade are CPU, Motherboard and Graphics card and I have a couple of questions:

I got a windows 7 installation disk when I got my computer, will I be able to re use it without having to buy another key?

Is it better if I format my hard drive before I do this upgrade (Theirs nothing too important on it and I can put the few things on a usb) or should I just un-install specific things?

 

[esco_sid]

yes it would be better if you format the whole thing and do a fresh install and cd key should work if you have actual installation cd.

 

[Hawkeye22]

Is this a Dell, Gateway, HP, or other retail computer? If so, it has an OEM version of windows which can't be used on a new motherboard. You will need to purchase a new copy. Your new copy can be an OEM version, but the licensing will tie it to that motherboard. If you plan on using it on a new motherboard in the future, get a retail copy of Windows which will be slighly more expensive.

There is no need to format a new drive before installing windows. During the windows install it will allow you to create a partition (and format it) to install the OS onto.

 

[TreeTerra]

Is this a Dell, Gateway, HP, or other retail computer? If so, it has an OEM version of windows which can't be used on a new motherboard. You will need to purchase a new copy. Your new copy can be an OEM version, but the licensing will tie it to that motherboard. If you plan on using it on a new motherboard in the future, get a retail copy of Windows which will be slighly more expensive.

There is no need to format a new drive before installing windows. During the windows install it will allow you to create a partition (and format it) to install the OS onto.

No its one from a company called PCSpecialist (you configure them and they build it type company) its just a disk that come with it, also ive decided to hold off anpther 2 weeks to get an SSD + Western digital black (as mine is onyl 5400rpm drive it should be a better upgrade).

Looking at it I should be fine with my disk, although I can probably pick up 8.1 if it doesnt seem to work, thanks for the advice though

 

[Hawkeye22]

If it's got "OEM" in the product key, then it's an OEM version.