Will upgrading my desktop invalidate my windows install?

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Vitalic23

New member
I bought a PC from pcspecialist.co.uk about 2 years ago and I have been looking into upgrading the mobo,cpu and getting an SSD. I purchased a copy of windows 7 with my PC that was pre installed as OEM software. I had no idea what OEM was until yesterday when a friend told me that if I was to upgrade my mobo and install a fresh windows 7 onto my SSD drive that I wouldn't be able to use my product key that originally came with my PC.

My new parts haven't arrived yet but when they do am I going to have to purchase another copy of windows? or is there another way I can get my old legitimate copy of windows working again? I really have no desire to purchase another copy since I was quoted £70 for this copy when I bought it here.

Appreciate any advice anyway !
 
tom_gr7

tom_gr7

Life Serving
hmmm not sure, I know Corfate used the same win7 license when he upgraded his motherboard/cpu/ram/everything...

Give it a try and see if it works. If not, then you will have no choice to buy a new license. lol
 
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Vitalic23

New member
Hmm well I'm not too sure who Corfate is, but are you aware if he had OEM install of windows or a retail version? I'll let you know how it goes but the parts aren't coming until next week. I just like to be prepared.
 
Rakk

Rakk

The Awesome
Moderator
Vitalic23 said:
Hmm well I'm not too sure who Corfate is, but are you aware if he had OEM install of windows or a retail version? I'll let you know how it goes but the parts aren't coming until next week. I just like to be prepared.
Click to expand...
Corfate is one of the forums members, he had an OEM license.
 
Rakk

Rakk

The Awesome
Moderator
Vitalic23 said:
Okay thanks, should put my mind at ease!
Click to expand...
Though do remember that the OEM Windows should not still work with a new motherboard since the install is supposedly tied to the motherboard, but in some cases it will.
 
Boozad

Boozad

Prolific Poster
An OEM copy won't activate on a new motherboard due to the SLIC table not matching. You'll have to call to activate by phone probably, although I'm not sure if the robophone method will work either. Microsoft do make some exceptions for OEM licences to be transferred to new motherboards though so it's possible.
 
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paul1224

Well-known member
I had to have 2 new MOBO's on my build from PCS and both of them allowed my Windows Vista to be reinstalled without any problems.

The first MOBO was exactly the same make and model but the second was the same make but an upgraded model and Vista installed fine without any subscription issues. Not sure if this has changed since Vista but worked fine for me.
 
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