Upgrading From AMD to Intel (What do i need to do?)

[electrospective]

I am Upgrading From AMD to Intel, replacing MOBO RAM CPU. Would i need to reinstall windows? Do i need my CD Key to reinstall windows (i dont have it anymore) Is factory reseting "reinstalling windows"? I just need the steps to upgrading my computer while keeping windows. Or could i just install the new hardware and just delete the old drivers?-

Thanks,
- Electro

 

[techgeek]

You will definitely need to re- install Windows. It's always best to do a clean install when you replace your platform.

As for a Product Key, depending on what version of Windows you have and whether that version of Windows has a retail and OEM version will determine whether or not you can transfer your present key to your new system. If you have an OEM version of whatever Windows you have, it's tied to the hardware of your old system and technically you can't transfer. There are cases where people have called MicroSoft and they allow the user to transfer it and give you a 25 digit code to activate it over the phone. If you have a retail copy, then you are technically allowed to transfer it to another computer with the assumption that you stop using it on the old computer.

 

[electrospective]

Im using a HD that was in a cyberpower pc and have done many factory resets but is that "re-installing windows?" Its never asked me for a key when i factory reset it. How do i tell if i have OEM/Retail? Also my Product ID only has 4 sets of 5 characters instead of the usual 5x5 (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx) mine has (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx) should i change the activation key?

 

[electrospective]

You will definitely need to re- install Windows. It's always best to do a clean install when you replace your platform.

As for a Product Key, depending on what version of Windows you have and whether that version of Windows has a retail and OEM version will determine whether or not you can transfer your present key to your new system. If you have an OEM version of whatever Windows you have, it's tied to the hardware of your old system and technically you can't transfer. There are cases where people have called MicroSoft and they allow the user to transfer it and give you a 25 digit code to activate it over the phone. If you have a retail copy, then you are technically allowed to transfer it to another computer with the assumption that you stop using it on the old computer.

Im using a HD that was in a cyberpower pc and have done many factory resets but is that "re-installing windows?" Its never asked me for a key when i factory reset it. How do i tell if i have OEM/Retail? Also my Product ID only has 4 sets of 5 characters instead of the usual 5x5 (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx) mine has (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx) should i change the activation key?

 

[techgeek]

Does this computer still boot? If so, go into System Properties and have a look at the Product ID, the second group has three characters, if they say OEM, then its OEM. This is the way it is for Windows 7, you still haven't mentioned which Windows we are talking about.

As for getting your Product Key this is possible using a program called Magic Jellybean Finder. It will decode the Product Key from the registry. As for not having to enter it, many OEMs (particularly with laptops) code a "default" Product Key into the BIOS so that when Windows installs, it uses that key. If this is the case, you most likely have an OEM version of Windows. Is there a Windows Product Key sticker on the case somewhere? Often when Windows installs using these "default" Product Keys, they don't match what actually shows on the sticker. The "default" key is provided to make it easier for users to install Windows.

 

[madmatt30]

Grab windows activation key via software
https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

And to Intel or vice versa as already said you will 100% have to do a fresh & clean windows install

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

Just out of interest, why the switch? What's in your current AMD build and your proposed Intel build?

 

[electrospective]

You will definitely need to re- install Windows. It's always best to do a clean install when you replace your platform.

As for a Product Key, depending on what version of Windows you have and whether that version of Windows has a retail and OEM version will determine whether or not you can transfer your present key to your new system. If you have an OEM version of whatever Windows you have, it's tied to the hardware of your old system and technically you can't transfer. There are cases where people have called MicroSoft and they allow the user to transfer it and give you a 25 digit code to activate it over the phone. If you have a retail copy, then you are technically allowed to transfer it to another computer with the assumption that you stop using it on the old computer.[/quotemsg

I had Microsoft support help me. Which is funny because they installed the Jellybean Key app on my PC(dont think they were allowed to). They also made my Microsoft account linked to the OS. Thanks for your help!

 

[electrospective]

Just out of interest, why the switch? What's in your current AMD build and your proposed Intel build?

My current build is an AMD A-10 7700k 8GB DDR3. I just bought a 1060 and was seeing a huge bottleneck of around 50%. I've had a lot of troubles with AMD in the past as well.

Just wanted to move to the reliable quick stuff. AMD is too dodgy for me.

 

[techgeek]

Glad to hear you got it sorted out.

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

Fair enough, switching from an A10-7700K was a good move.