New Windows purchase needed if doing a motherboard change?

[raildogg]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if I needed to purchase a new Windows if I change the motherboard?

I have read that the Windows activation is based on the motherboard and one needs a new Windows if that motherboard is changed. Not quite sure. I'm not upgrading right now but just wondering.

Thanks.

 

[scragnoff]

Hi raildogg!

Yes, changing to a different motherboard mean reinstalling a new OS.

Purchasing a new Windows License is determined by two factors:

If it's a retail Full or Upgrade license - No. You can move it to a different computer as long as it's only installed on one computer at a time (and if it's a Windows 7 Upgrade version the new computer must have it's own qualifying XP/Vista license). The previous Windows 7 installation on the old computer must be formatted/deleted. You might have to call Microsoft and explain what happened to complete the activation. Activating it on the second computer will automatically in effect "deactivate" the license for the first computer. The key will work with both 32 and 64 bit, but only one can be installed at a time.

If it's an OEM license - Yes. OEM licenses, including Windows preinstalled on a computer before purchase and Windows bought separately, are tied to the first computer they are installed on and can not be transferred to a different computer. To install Windows on a different computer you will need to buy another copy.

 

[Nothinman]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if I needed to purchase a new Windows if I change the motherboard?

I have read that the Windows activation is based on the motherboard and one needs a new Windows if that motherboard is changed. Not quite sure. I'm not upgrading right now but just wondering.

Thanks.

You will almost assuredly need to reactivate and depending on the drivers installed, it might not even boot without some rescue steps. However, whether you have to buy a new license or not just depends on if you're using an OEM license or not. OEM licenses are cheaper because they are meant for manufacturers to include with their PCs and they stick with that PC for its life. If you are using a retail license you can transfer it as many times as you like.

 

[kbp]

If you do a fresh install -
Install fron CD with NO conection to internet.
After a full completion, ReInstall from CD within Windows. In other words boot all the way up into Windows, insert CD and reinstall from there.
Now reboot and conect to internet and all should be well.