Replace defective motherboard, reactivate Windows?

[RippinDragon9000]

A lightning strike on the tree next to my house caused a power surge through the phone line drop, into the house,ultimately through every Ethernet cable, and either completely or partially destroying any Ethernet connected device in my house.

 

Specific to my computer, at a minimum the Ethernet port and some of the USB ports on the motherboard do not work anymore. They are not in device manager anymore. Also Microsoft Office is no longer activated. To my knowledge everything else still works, but uncertain if they will in the future.

 

I plan on replacing the motherboard with an exact model replacement, but I am looking for specifics on Windows reactivation. Will I have to/not have to reactivate because it is the exact same model and all other components are the same? Can Windows activation detect different individual boards that are the same model? Anything else I should consider when replacing a defective board, or dealing with a lightning strike on a computer? I welcome any advice/personal experiences, especially when dealing with Windows Server reactivation.

 

Quick Specs: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5, FX-8350, Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter Edition.

 

Thanks.

[Jodomcfrodo]

The windows key is tied to the motherboard. I think you can switch the key from one PC to another. Like deactivate the other motherboard or something? 

If not just call Microsoft and they will sort it out for you. 

[Altecice]

if it doesnt work do phone activation and that will work

[Priller]

if it doesnt work do phone activation and that will work

 

This.

 

It only takes a few minutes to get it activated again. If you have any issues you can speak to a rep and tell them you had to RMA the mobo due to a lightning strike. They may even walk you through the process as well.