Windows 7 activation after motherboard change

GamerwillzPS · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:29

I'm planning on upgrading my motherboard soon. Can I easily activate Windows 7 again after the hardware change?

Space Monkey · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:36

Is it a retail version or OEM?

GamerwillzPS · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:37

Retail.

RJC · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:38

What type of software are you using, OEM or Retail.

OEM is tide to the motherboard you first installed / activated on, Retail allows you to move to a new system, belongs your only running one instance.

You might need to use the automatic phone service.

Space Monkey · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:39

Yeah you can, it may ask you to call up and do a phone re-activation, as I had to recently but its simple enough (and automated so you don't normally talk to anyone)

GamerwillzPS · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:39

My Windows 7 is retail. I can't use the phone because I'm deaf, so what can I do if I need to do it?

Space Monkey · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:40

GamerwillzPS said:
My Windows 7 is retail. I can't use the phone because I'm deaf, so what can I do if I need to do it?

Can a friend help at all, otherwise I'm not sure?

RJC · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:40

GamerwillzPS said:
Retail.

You be fine, you might need to use the Automatic phone service if fails over the net.

GamerwillzPS · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:41

Space Monkey said:
Can a friend help at all, otherwise I'm not sure?

Yeah, my mother can do it for me. But seriously, how can I manage when I'm living on my own?

Space Monkey · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:43

GamerwillzPS said:
Yeah, my mother can do it for me. But seriously, how can I manage when I'm living on my own?

I completely agree as I have friends who are totally deaf and live alone, its not easy as you know, try Google as there seems to be some others that have had the same problem?

Space Monkey · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:46

Also would Type Talk work for this, are you on that service?

GamerwillzPS · 24 Apr 2012 at 19:56

Space Monkey said:
Also would Type Talk work for this, are you on that service?

Yes, I can use typetalk but I don't like using it. It's not very convenient. But if there's no other options, I'll use it.

GamerwillzPS · 24 Apr 2012 at 20:18

If I format the hard drive again and reinstall Windows 7, it won't appear as activated. Then shut it down and upgrade the motherboard. Will that work without the need to do phone activation?

That process is like a deactivation. It would make sense if Microsoft added a deactivation button on System Information in Control Panel.

GamerwillzPS · 24 Apr 2012 at 20:29

Wait... maybe I should try this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gp6BAkcmXQ

sicount · 26 Apr 2012 at 14:05

I was able to activate Windows online when I replaced my CPU and motherboard for the first time.

I had to call up and use the automated system when I replaced the motherboard for a second time though.

You should be fine.

scooby555t · 26 Apr 2012 at 23:01

ive got a retail copy and when i changed mobos i had to phone up ms acvation for some reason it wouldn't do it online