Upgrading Mobo new Windows?

[LILChris0]

I'm upgrading my motherboard soon and wanted to know if i have to buy Windows again. I'm upgrading to the same chipset (AM3+ to AM3+) with Windows 7 Home Premium, I have the disk and product key. If I cant use this disk with my new Motherboard is there anything I can do to avoid buying Windows again? Its a custom built gaming PC if that matters, Thanks.

 

[i7Baby]

You should be OK. As long as its for the same PC then Microsoft let you do that.

 

[LILChris0]

You should be OK. As long as its for the same PC then Microsoft let you do that.

Same PC just buying a better motherboard, switching from Gigabyte to Asus probably. Might add another Graphics Card. Good to hear.

 

[i7Baby]

No worries. Hope I've helped.

I just changed mobos on my PC. Left Windows as is and only minor driver updating needed.

 

[LILChris0]

No worries. Hope I've helped.

I just changed mobos on my PC. Left Windows as is and only minor driver updating needed.

Thanks man!

 

[i7Baby]

Cheers. Good luck.

 

[spdragoo]

You should be fine. You'll probably have to reinstall Windows 7 from scratch -- just make sure you back up your important files first -- but you should have no trouble with the installation & activation. At worst, you'll have to call the automated number & enter the code it gives you, & that takes less time than the installation itself.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC makes.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[zorak911]

i think windows 7will adapt itself to the hardwere
only windows 7 will do that
u will get a loading screen and just wait until its done .i think

 

[spdragoo]

The only thing that makes the whole "OEM vs. Retail" argument get complicated is that you can buy "OEM" Windows discs from retailers.

For example, at Micro Center:

http://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?Ntk=all&N=4294967276+4294926773&cat=0001%3c%3e%3c%3eWindows-7-%3a-Operating-Systems-%3a-Software-%3a-Micro-Center

All 4 of the Windows 7 versions (Home Premium or Professional, in 32-/64-bit flavors) are boxed/marked as "OEM"... which is how I purchased mine a little over a year ago. But based on my clean reinstall experiences & the definition you have listed, mine apparently should be considered a "retail" version.