I'm thinking of upgrading my Motherboard and make a large leap from Intel Pentium 4HT to Quad Core. I recall something about MS Windows registering my Windows key with the Processor. So if i get a new processor do i have to jump though hoops with microsoft? I'm working with keys from a MSDN liscense, so i'm liable to be told by microsoft i've got extra keys and just eat it.
2007-10-30 22:56:57 · 7 answers · asked by zaq123459876 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Well i might go duo core instead of quad, but lets not bog down in those details, i'm focused on the operating system.
Also, i run multiple partitions and two operating systems(i run win XP professional partition 1, backup partition 6, and linux ubuntu 7.04 on partition 7) so will that be effected?
2007-10-30 23:05:03 · update #1
Is http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824125 accurate or is microsoft lowballing its difficulty?
2007-10-30 23:11:38 · update #2
From what you describe, there is no need to discuss on reinstalling drivers and stuff when you make that hardware jump (I love upgrades! :D), although your question and your description is slightly different.
Well, you are not using an OEM license, re-activating your copy may be required, but not an issue. Just call up Microsoft if online activation fails... I did.
The Microsoft link is good info, no harm reading up.
Here's what I do before a major swap of hardware just in case -
1) Right click on My computer and select Properties
2) Click on Hardware tab
3) Click on Hardware Profile button
4) Click Copy button to make a backup profile
5) Click on Property button and click on check box for Include as option when Windows start.
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Also, you can download Sysprep from Microsoft website before shutting down your computer for your upgrade. You can prepare the system to redetect all the hardware.
In regards to Ubuntu, I have yet test the OS in a hardware swap scenario, maybe I'll give it a try.
Have fun!
2007-10-31 00:06:07 · answer #1 · answered by papamarzipan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
AFAIK Windows registers itself against a number of bits in your PC... the processor is one, the hard disk is another, the CD drive is another and the amount of memory is yet another. It may also use the unique ID of the mobo. Plus undoubtedly others (like network interfaces)
If you make 2 changes to the registered devices you have to re-register Windows. I suspect you'll hit 2 or more with ease if you change out the mobo and CPU (and memory and other bits).
It should be no more than re-registering with Microsoft. They key should still work.
2007-10-30 23:05:49 · answer #2 · answered by bambamitsdead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can reinstall XP 24 times or less before Microsoft won't let you activate. I know! I can't activate my xp....I format every 30 days or less. Microsoft don't like that. Microsoft says I have a pirated cd. I bought my xp cd from a dealer for $89. It was a brand new cd.
2007-10-30 23:50:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its not the key thats going to cause problems, its your current Windows HAL, if you just change the board/CPU, chances are Windows wont boot due to hardware changes.
You may need a fresh install to be safe.
2007-10-30 23:02:05 · answer #4 · answered by Cupcake 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yea - you need to do a fresh install of OS - else you may get get struck at mup.sys load while booting. Your OS will not understand / recognize / adjust to the new Board & Processor.
2007-10-30 23:07:34 · answer #5 · answered by N R Mohanraj 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think changing motherboards will most likely be seen by windows as a "major hardware change", and would require re-activation...
2007-10-30 23:04:39 · answer #6 · answered by chmod 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe done
2016-10-09 19:43:52 · answer #7 · answered by jamsed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋