Win 7 install required on new m/board & CPU ?

fungus · 20 Dec 2011 at 16:08

I'm about to upgrade my motherboard & CPU and want to know if I'll need to re-install windows? I'll be using the same hard drives as currenty in use.

Thekwango · 20 Dec 2011 at 16:22

yup fraid so. windows will need new drivers etc for the new mobo. you might get away with it in the short term but eventually not reinstalling will cause you problems

fungus · 20 Dec 2011 at 16:32

I hoped this woul dbe an easy upgrade !!!!

My PC originally came with Vista, then I upgraded to 7.....So I assume me I'll need to do the Vista install and then run the upgrade to 7?

Thekwango · 20 Dec 2011 at 16:48

fungus said:
I hoped this woul dbe an easy upgrade !!!!

My PC originally came with Vista, then I upgraded to 7.....So I assume me I'll need to do the Vista install and then run the upgrade to 7?

I'd assume so. Also was the version of vista that came originally with your pc an oem or retail version? if it's oem then technically it's tied to the original motherboard, meaning you'd have to contact microsoft and spin them a line to get a new activation key. not quite sure how the upgade malarkey works so you'd be better waiting for someone with a bit more knowhow to confirm. or post and ask in the 'software' > 'windows' forum

here

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=9

fungus · 20 Dec 2011 at 16:54

Thekwango said:
was the version of vista that came originally with your pc an oem or retail version?

Good question....I have a horrible feeling it was OEM, but I then purchased the retail upgrade to Win7.

eddyc · 20 Dec 2011 at 17:02

You will need to reinstall but don't worry if it was an OEM version. Just follow these instructions:

http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media

No idea if that is legal or not but it would be an immoral law which forced you to install vista only to upgrade to 7. :rolleyes:

cats_five · 20 Dec 2011 at 17:20

I changed my motherboard successfully with XP, without having to do a reinstall. I removed the drivers for the old mobo, shut down, changed the mobo, rebooted and installed the new drivers. I don't know if that would work with W7, but you could give it a go as it's far quicker than a complete reinstall. Do make sure you have your important data backed up first, though.

Slam62 · 20 Dec 2011 at 17:26

just bung it in, upgrade a few drivers and carry on as if nothing has happened

lgevans · 20 Dec 2011 at 17:42

It's swift enough... In the middle of a new build myself and will have to get it done. Though I do keep all data on HDD's, got an SSD for windows and another for game installs.

fungus · 21 Dec 2011 at 09:11

Slam62 said:
just bung it in, upgrade a few drivers and carry on as if nothing has happened

I was hoping it would be that easy, but I'm usualy not that lucky. My o/s is OEM so only have a vista dvd, and Win7 Upgrade dvd.

Even if I am lucky when I upgade the m/b, I intend go get an SSD shortly so will defo need a fresh install then...

fowler002 · 21 Dec 2011 at 09:23

eddyc said:
You will need to reinstall but don't worry if it was an OEM version. Just follow these instructions:

http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media

No idea if that is legal or not but it would be an immoral law which forced you to install vista only to upgrade to 7.

I can't open the link but if it's the install win7 then just use the cd key from vista when prompted then yes it's legal, you can just install win7 put in it's cd key then enter the key for vista(or is it vista key forts then win7, can't remember which).

tobsmonster2 · 21 Dec 2011 at 09:49

Thekwango said:
I'd assume so. Also was the version of vista that came originally with your pc an oem or retail version? if it's oem then technically it's tied to the original motherboard, meaning you'd have to contact microsoft and spin them a line to get a new activation key. not quite sure how the upgade malarkey works so you'd be better waiting for someone with a bit more knowhow to confirm. or post and ask in the 'software' > 'windows' forum

here

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=9

If it's OEM, would the product key not be on a sticker on the side of the case; or do they not do that anymore?

OH, btw!
I've used an upgrade version Windows 7 license and IIRC you just need a copy of a previous version of windows installed (doesn't have to be activated) before you attempt the 'upgrade'. I usually install a copy of XP Home Edition (only thing I seem to ever have availible) then register it with either a serial from under one of my laptops or a random one off google (which ever comes first)

.

--: You need a 'valid' serial to install XP as you can't skip the 'activation' like you can in Vista.

fungus · 21 Dec 2011 at 09:57

I've got the vista oem license sticker on the machine, plus another lisense stiocker for the Win7 upgrade....

cats_five · 21 Dec 2011 at 11:28

There is a registry hack which lets you install and activat an upgrade copy of W7 on a PC with no old Windows installation. I used it as when I installed my W7 it was onto a new HDD with the old one temporarily disconnected. For example:

http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media

fungus · 23 Dec 2011 at 07:39

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm pleased to say all went very well with no windows re-install needed.

PC fired up 1st time with new m/n, cpu, ram and spent 5 mins self insalling new drivers and was back to normal atrer a re-boot...