Upgrading Dell Xps 8700 motherboard

[bvb]

I currently have a dell xps 8700 motherboard. Specs: http://www.findlaptopdriver.com/dell-0kwvt8-mainboard-specifications/

The thing is, if I plan on changing the motherboard would I have to completely uninstall the dell oem Windows 8, and buy a new windows 8 key? Or will I be able to simply swap the motherboards without an issue?

Thanks

 

[RealBeast]

You don't have to buy a new key, but there are two things you need to do it. You need to obtain the activation key from the bios, which is pretty easy. The hard part is that if you end up needing the installer disk (and you will if it is not an identical board and may even need it if it is the same board), you cannot use a retail disk but must have the OEM disk. If you bought one with your purchase no problem, otherwise they are difficult to obtain.

To get the bios key either use a tool like Belarc Advisor or just type this string into an elevated command prompt (right click run as admin):

powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey"

The disk that you need is a full install disk from Dell or en_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4065090

 

[bvb]

thanks. so would i have to remove the os from my current motherboard or no?

 

[RealBeast]

It is on your HDD and if you intend to move it to another machine the license requires you to remove it from the current machine. You cannot keep it on both. If you have any problems with the activation on the new machine, MS phone activation is very helpful.