Upgrading pc, losing key?

[sniper2606]

right now i have windows 7 64bit on my pc, next week i will be changing the mobo,memory,cpu,hard drive, my concern is i only have the Windows 7 cd with 1 key and its on my current pc can i re use the key? or i need to purchase a new key? i will re use my old hard drive as secondary because i will install windows 7 on the new 6gb sata hard drive

 

[Guest]

Is it the OEM or Retail version of Windows?

 

[sniper2606]

OEM, purchased from ebay only cd and key came with it

 

[Guest]

According to the Microsoft EULA, you can't transfer an OEM copy of Windows from one computer to another.

 

[sniper2606]

damn, so i guess the only option is to clone the hard drive?

 

[Guest]

And a new key.

 

[Zenthar]

The OEM key is tied to the motherboard, not the HDD; cloning the HDD won't change a thing.

If you want to play in a "gray area", you can contact Microsoft and tell them your MB died, but same model was no longer available and they might allow for a 2nd activation of the same key on a new PC.

 

[sniper2606]

i guess ill call Microsoft and give it a shot.....i hope i dont get Indian call center...