Replacing my motherboard and CPU, quick question about the operating system.

[MyBurger_]

I know I'll have to re-install the OS, but can I use the same product key? I have a copy of Windows 7 with a product key which I used for my current motherboard (ASUS P8B75-V) and I'm planning to replace it with the MSI Z97 Gaming-7 motherboard, and a CPU change to the i5-4690K. Will I be able to use the same product key?

 

[Sandstorm3000]

You don't have to re-install your OS if you install another motherboard and CPU. The OS is stored on the HDD. (which isnt getting replaced)

 

[gilbadon]

So long as two computers are not using 1 CD key at any instance of time while connected to the internet, you will not have an issue. If they say you are using an already claimed key, simply call microsoft and they will disassociate the key from the last computer and port it to the new one.

 

[MyBurger_]

You don't have to re-install your OS if you install another motherboard and CPU. The OS is stored on the HDD. (which isnt getting replaced)

I've heard from some other places you will. Are you sure?

 

[gilbadon]

You don't have to re-install your OS if you install another motherboard and CPU. The OS is stored on the HDD. (which isnt getting replaced)

I've heard from some other places you will. Are you sure?

Almost always you do not have to. It is a rarity that you have to install a new OS because they are built so well. You will only know by trying. Just come back here if it does not work. Make sure you have everything you need to reinstall the OS just in case.

 

[Sandstorm3000]

You don't have to re-install your OS if you install another motherboard and CPU. The OS is stored on the HDD. (which isnt getting replaced)

I've heard from some other places you will. Are you sure?

Nevermind, I googled it. If they use another chipset you will have to reinstall OS. Which is the case here.
I would also first try it, if it doesn't work you will have to reinstall..

 

[ex_bubblehead]

The OEM license for Windows 7 locks the license on the first motherboard upon which it is installed and cannot be transferred to another, unless it is an identical replacement. You will most likely have to choose the telephone option for activation and plead your case to the person at the other end. But keep in mind that Microsoft is under no obligation to allow activation of an OEM key on another PC.

OEM licensing has been changed with Windows 8 to allow transfer (unless it's a preinstalled OEM) as long as the key is only in use on one PC at a time.

 

[gilbadon]

The OEM license for Windows 7 locks the license on the first motherboard upon which it is installed and cannot be transferred to another, unless it is an identical replacement. You will most likely have to choose the telephone option for activation and plead your case to the person at the other end. But keep in mind that Microsoft is under no obligation to allow activation of an OEM key on another PC.

I have booted windows hard drives on completely different computers than the original. I agree that microsoft does some sort of hardware signing but I do not think they do it very well on custom PC's. I have moved my OS over to other systems many times without issue.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

You may have done that and gotten away with it, but again, Microsoft is under no obligation to allow it and may, at their discretion, blacklist your key at any time.

 

[gilbadon]

You may have done that and gotten away with it, but again, Microsoft is under no obligation to allow it and may, at their discretion, blacklist your key at any time.

I feel you are trying to scare the OP. This would be EXTREMELY rare. If you are an honest person looking to just transfer your software, they are often more than happy to allow it.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Scare? Not at all. Simply stating fact. And it's not as rare as you may think.