Upgrading computer, Mobo & CPU. Windows 7 question

[xEcliptic93]

Hello, I'm going to be upgrading main part of my PC next week when my order gets here. The parts I'm upgrading are my Motherboard, CPU, Graphics Card, and RAM.

Currently I'm running these
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 running @ 3.00GHz
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P
RAM: G.Skill 4GB (2x2) DDR2 800
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 4850

Upgrading to:
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K
Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme3
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 6850

2 years ago when I built this PC I bought an OEM version of Vista 64 bit then later, about a year ago, I think, I upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit using an upgrade disc. With the parts I bought I also bought an OEM version of Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit because I'm under the impression I will have to fresh install windows. Therefore going to my question... Will I have to fresh install windows with these upgrades or should it boot just fine if I uninstall the current Motherboard drivers before the upgrade and then install the new Motherboard drivers after the upgrade and then call Microsoft to reactivate the key? Need some explaining on this. Not first time building but it's my first time UPGRADING a PC.

 

[Herr_Koos]

If you keep the current version, being an OEM, it will require re-activation but should still work fine. Since this is a major system refresh though, it may not be a bad idea to back up and re-install. It will give you that lovely fresh new PC feeling. 🙂

 

[xEcliptic93]

When I first built the computer 2 years ago I used an OEM version of Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit and then later on bought an upgrade version of Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit.

The parts I just bought yesterday for my upgrade I'm doing next week included another version of Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit, OEM version.

Thing is, I do not own an External HDD to back up.. So that's where I run into a problem.

 

[may1]

When I first built the computer 2 years ago I used an OEM version of Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit and then later on bought an upgrade version of Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit.

The parts I just bought yesterday for my upgrade I'm doing next week included another version of Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit, OEM version.

Thing is, I do not own an External HDD to back up.. So that's where I run into a problem.

You could do the long-way of backing them up on DVDs and CDs...
Sure they take ages, but at least you get them backed up for a small cost!

 

[xEcliptic93]

I mean, there really isn't MUCH that has to be backed up for files on this computer. The only thing is, is 25GB of music that I have really. Everything else is games that can be reinstalled. So you think if I use my Flash Drive and just transfer them to that and then just fresh install when and if I have to?

 

[Spoony]

or you could back up file to a 2nd HDD then un install ALL your drivers and then fit new gear install new drivers and use phone support and activate windows that way and all should be wel in the world is you do the uninstal of drivers right

 

[xEcliptic93]

I think I do have an old HDD floating around my house somewhere. Depending on if it's even compatible with my system...

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Do a clean install!