Motherboard Upgrade

Unbroken · #1 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 01:55 PM

Now, that I have it in the right area, do I need a new copy of windows when i do a mobo upgrade? and if not, is there anything i need to do (BIOS, hardware, software, ect.)? thanks, sorry for being a total nub.

CoffeeShark · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 02:00 PM

you'll just need the drivers for the motherboard available when you boot up with the new motherboard.

Tanroker · #3 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 02:05 PM

Dru Dat Cause ur will still being using the same hard drives you get what i am saying yo..

My friends wanted me to go through the day talking like gangster..Yo

Unbroken · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 02:09 PM

thx a lot coffee

u too tanroker, maybe ill catch u in some cod4 later g

panic! · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 03:07 PM

By Microsoft's terms of service, technically you are supposed to buy a new license. Since you are upgrading a major piece of hardware, it falls under a new system.

BUT, you can easily install the copy you have. If you have to call in activation just say you haven't done any major upgrades. I do this everyday at work when reloading systems.

Hannibal888 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 05:03 PM

Well basically with an OEM copy of windows you can replace anything but the mobo. Once you replace the mobo it counts as a new system and so you are required to buy a new license. With a retail copy you'll just transfer you're license over to the new system. When you activate you're copy of windows a hardware profile or something is sent to microsoft as an ID for your system but I'm not sure if they check these things or whether calling them and saying it's the same system will work.

panic! · #7 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 05:55 PM

If it doesn't activate over the internet (which it should). You telephone in for activation, you'll talk to an automated operator. You give her your hardware ID, then answer 3 questions. Is this the first time you're activating this copy of Windows (no), How many systems you have it installed on (one), and have you had any significant hardware changes (no). Sometimes it won't even ask you the questions. Then it'll give you your activation code.

Like I said, I do it everyday at work.

Here's a great FAQ about Windows OEM licensing. Which probably won't apply if you have a retail copy.

Microsoft OEM Licensing FAQ - [H]ard|Forum

Hannibal888 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 06:18 PM

That's weird I've always been forced to talk to a rep who doesn't speak english as a first language. Then after repeatedly saying "excuse me?", "pardon?", and "come again?" they'll finally give me an activation code. I do have a retail copy though so I guess that's why.

Jmizz just install everything and see if things work out. If it doesn't you can always pick up a new copy or something. Though I think XP prices have gone up......

panic! · #9 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 06:31 PM

They did use the Indian operators for telephone activation. They've been using the automated system for probably 4 or 5 months now. It's soooooooo much faster, takes around 10 minutes now. If the automated system can't understand you, it will transfer you to an Indian representative.

I'm always really nice to those people, I know they have to take tons of crap from Americans all day long. It's not their fault all the tech support is outsourced.

nagmier · #10 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panic!

They did use the Indian operators for telephone activation. They've been using the automated system for probably 4 or 5 months now. It's soooooooo much faster, takes around 10 minutes now. If the automated system can't understand you, it will transfer you to an Indian representative.

I'm always really nice to those people, I know they have to take tons of crap from Americans all day long. It's not their fault all the tech support is outsourced.

As much as I hate to admit it my job should be outsourced there... I work tech support for the convience store/gas station industry