Hello, I have a pre built computer with windows 7 installed on it. I would like to upgrade the motherboard and CPU. How would I go about doing that? would I have to buy a new copy of Windows 7? Or can I use the one thats installed on the hard drive because the computer came with it preinstalled.
Upgrading Motherboard and CPU. Help
- Thread starter Dog-Ross
- Start date
PCunicorn
Active Member
Yes, you would need a new copy of windows with a new motherboard. Any other component can be replaced without a new copy of windows except the motherboard. Get windows 8, not windows 7 though for your next copy of windows. Do you need help picking a new board and CPU or do you already have one?
Help me understand why you need a new copy of windows? Don't you just remove the hard drive and stick it onto the new one or does the motherboard receive some engraved digital signature that it's got the windows installed on it or something?
When you install an OS it memorizes what hardware it's installed on so if you were to transfer it would notice. Now you might be able to call up Microsoft and try and get them to move your key, especially since it's still the same computer but just with a different motherboard. Sometimes it will work.
I'd advise trying to get the OS to work if you upgrade as it might be possible. If not, then just get a new OEM version of the OS for 100 dollars. But don't blow that money until you know it's needed.
Officially you're not supposed to be allowed to do that but sometimes a call to Microsoft will get it sorted out for you.
I'd advise trying to get the OS to work if you upgrade as it might be possible. If not, then just get a new OEM version of the OS for 100 dollars. But don't blow that money until you know it's needed.
Officially you're not supposed to be allowed to do that but sometimes a call to Microsoft will get it sorted out for you.
Yeah, if you were to replace the motherboard with an identical one because it was faulty it wouldn't notice, but there's no point in that since your upgrading the motherboard rather than replacing.
I still think giving Microsoft a call is your best bet before anything else.
I still think giving Microsoft a call is your best bet before anything else.
Thank you, but I already have the components. I have gone with the ASRock Z77 Extreme 4 and the i5-3570K. I have also just found an old copy of Windows 7 I was going to use in the past, so ill probably just use that. I have looked at the NewEgg youtube channel at their (How to build a computer) videos. Would I do the same procedure for installing Windows that they did? Or is it different since I already have it on my hard drive?
No problem! Welcome to the forum!
Twiki
Active Member
Does your PC have a product key sticker on it? As long as you have that key you can install the same Windows you had from a download. Windows are legal to download but it must be the same version as your own OS.
If you don't have that sticker, download Speccy and run it then click on Operating System and you'll see your product key. It's after serial no. Write it down for safekeeping.
Copy all the stuff you need to keep on disk because you'll have a lot less headache with doing a fresh install. I don't know how big your HDD but I'd partition it. If you have room to partition the HDD the way it is now I'd do it and move the stuff you need to keep there. Whatever happens to your boot drive does not affect the other partition (it's like another drive) so the data there is safe. Any program you've installed cannot be moved or saved, just data like your records, photos, videos, whatever.
EDIT: forgot to mention, after you reinstalled your OS you can activate it online and I think MS will do it. If not, explain to MS that you replaced the motherboard.
If you don't have that sticker, download Speccy and run it then click on Operating System and you'll see your product key. It's after serial no. Write it down for safekeeping.
Copy all the stuff you need to keep on disk because you'll have a lot less headache with doing a fresh install. I don't know how big your HDD but I'd partition it. If you have room to partition the HDD the way it is now I'd do it and move the stuff you need to keep there. Whatever happens to your boot drive does not affect the other partition (it's like another drive) so the data there is safe. Any program you've installed cannot be moved or saved, just data like your records, photos, videos, whatever.
EDIT: forgot to mention, after you reinstalled your OS you can activate it online and I think MS will do it. If not, explain to MS that you replaced the motherboard.
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To the OP
I recently upgraded my Motherboard and CPU. I reinstalled windows (clean install). The product registration failed, just like mentioned above. When click START > Right click COMPUTER > Click properties, at the bottom you will see that you must activate windows (gives you a count down to number of days). Beside this you can click and click "Activate through automated phone". You can then click the country you live in. It will give you a toll free number to call. Follow instructions and you will be fine.
I recently upgraded my Motherboard and CPU. I reinstalled windows (clean install). The product registration failed, just like mentioned above. When click START > Right click COMPUTER > Click properties, at the bottom you will see that you must activate windows (gives you a count down to number of days). Beside this you can click and click "Activate through automated phone". You can then click the country you live in. It will give you a toll free number to call. Follow instructions and you will be fine.