New MOBO - same windows?

[User1868]

So a long time ago my parents bought me this ready PC from HP:

http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Pavilion-Slimline-s5300-Desktop-PC-series/4079861/document/c01949171/

From that time I have:

- Changed the PC case

- Bought a GTX 550ti + new PSU

 

Now this PC has a rather old CPU (see signature/or the link to the PC) and I finally have enough money to upgrade it.

What I want to upgrade:

- CPU - i5 4460

- MOBO - MSI B85M-G43

- RAM - HyperX 2x 4Gb FURY blue series

- GPU - GTX 950/960 (+PSU)

 

I can only upgrade these parts if I keep my current: case, HDD (with Windows 10 pro 64 bit running) and all my monitors, keyboard and mouse.

 

I have recently been informed that when you change your MOBO you will have to re-install windows on it with a new key.

After doing a lot of research I found two good ways of going about using the same windows key for a new mobo:

#1 - Clean install of original OS (Windows 7 Home Premium came with the PC - I later bought a upgrade key to Windows 7 Pro)

#2 - Uninstall current drivers and install new ones. Either manually or using software as described here:

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/106642-how-to-keep-your-current-windows-install-with-a-new-motherboard/

 

***To reinstall these need to be retail (OEM) versions of windows*** - that is what I read on another forum at least

 

Now I have a question:

- What if, when I got my new MOBO, I took the drivers CD and installed the drivers on the running computer. Shut down, change the MOBO - would that work?

- Since this PC had windows already installed on it - will I be able to reuse the key that came with the PC?

- What would happen if I just switched MOBO's and tried to boot up? (Heard this might work, but I would again have to re-enter the Windows key)

 

Please help, I'm really confused with this and I don't want to have to go buy a new windows key and HDD instead of a new GPU....

[Aytex]

As long as your first PC did not come preinstalled with the windows then you should be able to just install wnidows on your new PC and activate it

[User1868]

As long as your first PC did not come preinstalled with the windows then you should be able to just install wnidows on your new PC and activate it

 

Windows came preinstalled - that is why I'm worried it won't work

[Aytex]

Windows came preinstalled - that is why I'm worried it won't work

You need a new windows key then I think (maybe be wrong but majority of prebuilt PC's have the OS tied with the parts?

 

you can get cheap keys here

https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

or g2a.com

[User1868]

You need a new windows key then I think (maybe be wrong but majority of prebuilt PC's have the OS tied with the parts?

 

you can get cheap keys here

https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

or g2a.com

 

Will these keys work internationally (I"m currently in Poland)?

[Aytex]

Will these keys work internationally (I"m currently in Poland)?

it should, (not really sure)

[vorticalbox]

my windows 8 install just configured it's self for the new hardware no reinstall needed. i went from an i3 to 8350.

[User1868]

it should, (not really sure)

 

How sure are you that these are legal and working? (They are 6 times cheaper than in a store here)

[User1868]

my windows 8 install just configured it's self for the new hardware no reinstall needed. i went from an i3 to 8350.

 

I'm guessing you built this PC by yourself?

You see - I'm running on a modified prebuilt...

[Aytex]

I'm guessing you built this PC by yourself?

You see - I'm running on a modified prebuilt...

ive built plenty of PC's

Your new build has a new cpu/mobo which basically means a new PC so your fine

 

How sure are you that these are legal and working? (They are 6 times cheaper than in a store here)

99% legal, make a thread in there asking if they work in poland

[Rayhaan Jiwani]

What if I want to reinstall Windows 7 OEM on a new Mobo with oan old key? Till when will Microsoft help me with Windows 7 OEM Keys?

[User1868]

What if I want to reinstall Windows 7 OEM on a new Mobo with oan old key? Till when will Microsoft help me with Windows 7 OEM Keys?

 

Official Microsoft states that if you change the MOBO than you have built a new PC. There is a option that if your old MOBO breaks they can reactivate the key.

Also, I've read some threads where people just changed mobos, put in the new key and did a phone activation.

But than you can't reuse that old MOBO

[vorticalbox]

I'm guessing you built this PC by yourself?

You see - I'm running on a modified prebuilt...

yeah.

[User1868]

99% legal, make a thread in there asking if they work in poland

 

What I think I'll end up doing is buying the new mobo and cpu and ram, and than just try to hope windows does everything by itself. If it doesn't work than I'll either get a new key and do a re-install or go with option #2 that I linked

[Aytex]

What I think I'll end up doing is buying the new mobo and cpu and ram, and than just try to hope windows does everything by itself. If it doesn't work than I'll either get a new key and do a re-install or go with option #2 that I linked

wait so you already have a key/disc?

[User1868]

yeah.

 

I'll probably just give it a shot (because my PC was prebuilt) and if it doesn't work than I'll either try option #2 that I linked or just get a new Windows key and do a fresh install....

[User1868]

wait so you already have a key/disc?

 

Well I do have a key that came with the prebuilt PC

[olback]

You need a new windows key then I think (maybe be wrong but majority of prebuilt PC's have the OS tied with the parts?

 

you can get cheap keys here

https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

or g2a.com

My friend used his old hdd in his new system. The old system was a pre-built hp thing it had no problems activating on his new machine

[Aytex]

Well I do have a key that came with the prebuilt PC

you can try, if it works than damn son, if it doesn't then do wat I told u

 

Also a new cpu/mobo technically means a new pc so your pc being prebuilt has no intearference

[User1868]

As long as your first PC did not come preinstalled with the windows then you should be able to just install wnidows on your new PC and activate it

 

 

my windows 8 install just configured it's self for the new hardware no reinstall needed. i went from an i3 to 8350.

 

 

What if I want to reinstall Windows 7 OEM on a new Mobo with oan old key? Till when will Microsoft help me with Windows 7 OEM Keys?

 

 

My friend used his old hdd in his new system. The old system was a pre-built hp thing it had no problems activating on his new machine

 

Microsoft license agreement:

Software preinstalled on device. If you acquired the software preinstalled on a device (and also if you upgraded from software preinstalled on a device), you may transfer the license to use the software directly to another user, only with the licensed device. The transfer must include the software and, if provided with the device, an authentic Windows label including the product key. Before any permitted transfer, the other party must agree that this agreement applies to the transfer and use of the software.