Desktops & All-In-Ones

[nosscar]

Question is, if i upgrade my motherboard and CPU on my acer x3470, will my windows 7 oem copy work, or will i have to buy a new copy. I have heard it can be tied to the board.

[finlux]

Hi nosscar!

If you change your motherboard, then no, the Acer OEM will not work - different hardware & drivers will prevent this. If it is a non-Acer OEM disk, then officially it is tied to the one installation of the original PC.

I once changed a friend's processor on his motherboard (He went from a single core Celaron to a Pentium 4 hyper-threading processor!!) and had to re-activate his OEM version of Windows. This was accepted by Microsoft.

Basically, if you make too many changes (or completely change the motherboard) then the answer is no. You will need to buy a new OEM copy of Windows 7.

[nosscar]

Ok thankyou, what is the chance that microsoft will activate my windows on another board if i tell tham i changed it.

[finlux]

Should be ok, as long as it is not the Acer OEM.

[nosscar]

Yes it would be the pre installed Acer windows i want to transfer. Due to fault on my Acer mobo, would they still not allow me to change it over, after all i payed for the license and it would still be used on my machine. I will be keeping the same hard drive, would windows just reconfigure and then install new drivers. And looking at my other problem post i WILL be needing a new motherboard soon.

[finlux · Accepted solution]

Hi again nosscar!

Unfortunately, the Acer OEM will not work on a new motherboard. If you tried to install on a different mobo, the best you'll get is a Blue Screen (or continual boot-loops), and the worst would be a failure of installation in the first place! The only way around that is to see if you can buy the EXACT SAME motherboard for your model. Only then will it work.

With regards to the license you paid for - with OEM stuff, the license is for Windows on YOUR machine, I.E. Acer Windows on your Acer PC. The only Windows license that is transferable is the full retail copy. Non manufacturer OEMs are similar, but don't contain the drivers.

If a motherboard fails in a self built PC (or if you upgrade the processor), Microsoft usually are pretty good in re-activating Windows, if you tell them the reason. But OEM licenses are officially tied to that machine. Manufacturers' OEMs are strictly tied to your PC because their version of Windows contain the drivers/programs etc. for the mobo.

[nosscar]

ok thanks, so no way round it then but to get an OEM copy and download or install from disc all drivers needed. thanks.