Mainboard replacement, windows license and clean install

Hi,

I have a 'Predator G3 - 605' and have 3 questions regarding repair/upgrade and windows license:

1) The PCIE slot on the mainboard have stoped working. Can i order a new mainboard through 'Acer Self Service'?

2) The PC comes with Windows 8.1 but I can't find any Windows license on any sticker on the PC, is the license embedded in the UEFI BIOS? And if so, will a new mainboard have a license or do I need to somehow transfer my windows license to a the new mainboard?

3) If I would like to upgrade my PC with an SSD and/or make a clean install, can I use "Windows 10 Media Creation Tool" to create an installation media that will work with the license I have?

Accepted answers

brummyfan2

Hi,
1. You need to contact the local Acer Support centre regarding the availability of motherboard:http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/
2. Activation key is embedded in BIOS, you may need a new licence key when you change the MB. It's better to check with Microsoft Help desk:https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/contactus/
https://www.howtogeek.com/261053/when-can-you-move-a-windows-license-to-a-new-pc/
3.Yes, you can use WMC Tool for clean install.
HTH.

brummyfan2

GalenMyra said:

Hi,
Thanks for answer about the mainboard.

However, the links you posted about the windows license didnt seem to be related exactly to my case. I have bought the license as an OEM license from acer so acer needs to provide the support and tools needed for moving the license to a new mainbord, if that is possible. And that is probably also what microsfot will tell me.

Hi,
No problem, Windows licence terms are a bit confusing, yes, if you send the PC to Acer Service for a new MB, they will handle the OS licence but if you replace the MB with another MB, Microsoft may think it's a different build and may request you to buy a new licence as OEM licence is tied to the original PC. You may not even needed a new licence if you contact Microsoft and explain the reason for change of MB.

All comments

brummyfan2

Hi,
1. You need to contact the local Acer Support centre regarding the availability of motherboard:http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/
2. Activation key is embedded in BIOS, you may need a new licence key when you change the MB. It's better to check with Microsoft Help desk:https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/contactus/
https://www.howtogeek.com/261053/when-can-you-move-a-windows-license-to-a-new-pc/
3.Yes, you can use WMC Tool for clean install.
HTH.

GalenMyra

Hi,
Thanks for answer about the mainboard.

However, the links you posted about the windows license didnt seem to be related exactly to my case. I have bought the license as an OEM license from acer so acer needs to provide the support and tools needed for moving the license to a new mainbord, if that is possible. And that is probably also what microsfot will tell me.

brummyfan2

GalenMyra said:

Hi,
Thanks for answer about the mainboard.

However, the links you posted about the windows license didnt seem to be related exactly to my case. I have bought the license as an OEM license from acer so acer needs to provide the support and tools needed for moving the license to a new mainbord, if that is possible. And that is probably also what microsfot will tell me.

Hi,
No problem, Windows licence terms are a bit confusing, yes, if you send the PC to Acer Service for a new MB, they will handle the OS licence but if you replace the MB with another MB, Microsoft may think it's a different build and may request you to buy a new licence as OEM licence is tied to the original PC. You may not even needed a new licence if you contact Microsoft and explain the reason for change of MB.

GalenMyra

Well, as you say, an manufacturer can repair a PC by replacing the mainboard and transfer the license to a new mainborad (or actually get a new license for the replacement mainboard). I know this because I've worked as a PC technician for other brands in the past. And since Acer has a 'Self repair service'-option, I shoould be able to repair the PC just like an Acer technician would, without losing my windows license, right?

I see someone movied this thread to "Preadator Laptops", this however is a desktop PC.

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