Windows 8.1 replacing same motherboard.

[WaSquids]

Hey. I'm going to be replacing the same motherboard, like for like (faulty). Will i have to reinstall/reactivate, as it's exactly the same mobo or will i just be able to slot it in and windows reinstall the drivers? It's windows 8.1 64bit.

Thanks for any help.

 

[yyk71200]

If it is the exact same mobo, you shouldn't need to.

 

[photonboy]

If it is the exact same mobo, you shouldn't need to.

THIS.
Windows can't tell the difference between two motherboards of the same model. Even if it could, then you'd just get a prompt to click and Re-Activation would happen in seconds.

 

[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 maker, not MS.

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

 

[photonboy]

The above information is not quite correct, or at least misleading.

1) Windows (any version) can't differentiate between two boards of the same exact model, and

2) Windows (any version) allows for the SAME SOCKET of motherboard (can be different model) and this is called a "repair"

*So there's simply no issue here. He doesn't need to reinstall Windows. He won't have any Activation problems. Assuming his Windows build was never corrupted during the motherboard failure, he'll simply hook everything back up and boot without issue.

 

[WaSquids]

Thanks for the replies guys, i shall be attempting this later on today or tomorrow! 😀 Hopefully will go smoothly!

 

[djolesiak]

I just went through the same thing on a Windows 8.1 Pro desktop. My motherboard failed and I ordered an exact replacement just so I wouldn't have to reinstall. After installing the new motherboard, windows would not boot and I got a No OS message after post. So I pulled my hard drive and connected it to another pc to get my files off and my hard drive showed up as raw and windows asked me to initialize it and delete everything. Fortunately, I had everything backed up. However, I had to reinstall Windows and all my software to get my desktop up and running again. Very annoying.

 

[intelpc]

Djolesiak, can you enlighten after your did new clean install of windows 8.1Pro on you replacement same model motherboard, did it install successfully with win8 key activation? I am having same issue with my motherboard and thinking of RMA and get a new one as under warranty but worried on win8.1 tied to MAC address of old motherboard. Don't mind clean re-install if it works on replacement motherboard.

 

[WaSquids]

Just a heads up, set up the mobo all went fine. I had to activate it, other than that no problems whatsoever for me.