will i need to buy new windows 7 OEM

Colbaker · 8 May 2010 at 12:01

Hi all,

My motherboard has just died on me meaning i will require a new 1 and they do not make the one i have anymore, I currently have windows 7 prem OEM upgrade and was wondering what would happen when i change the motherboard, am i going to have to fork out for another windows 7 disk?

brucey034 · 8 May 2010 at 12:14

No need for a new copy of Win7.
Just replace your motherboard and load windows 7.
When activation fails, dial the freephone number on screen and follow the step by step instructions.
Hope this helps.

SiriusB · 8 May 2010 at 12:15

No. You are allowed to change the motherboard in case of hardware failure. You may need to reactivate over the phone, but it only takes a few minutes of punching numbers to a robot.

Daegan · 8 May 2010 at 12:19

The last paragraph here suggests unless it's a warranty replacement you won't be fully licensed. You won't have any problems using the telephone activation service though, so do what you feel.

brucey034 · 8 May 2010 at 12:21

I have replaced my motherboard a few times.
Never ever had a problem with phone activation.

Daegan · 8 May 2010 at 12:26

brucey034 said:
I have replaced my motherboard a few times.
Never ever had a problem with phone activation.

Just bear in mind that technically you're not licensed. If you want the freedom to make those hardware changes, and stay within the licensing terms, then you need a retail license.

brucey034 · 8 May 2010 at 13:01

Daegan said:
Just bear in mind that technically you're not licensed. If you want the freedom to make those hardware changes, and stay within the licensing terms, then you need a retail license.

Sorry I should have said, That was when I was using Vista x64 ultimate OEM.
I changed my motherboard twice and had no issues when activating over the phone.
I'm now using windows 7 Retail version.

PhillyDee · 8 May 2010 at 13:44

Still applies.

To the OP, technically, it should be a warranty replacement by the company you bought it from, but since you were the sytem builder, and you replaced it under your own lifetime warranty . . . . . well, its a grey area.

Replace it, let them know (if asked) that it was a motherboard failure, and you will be fine.