Resolved Motherboard swap on system using Win 7 OEM

I have a system I built and I installed an OEM version of Win 7 three years ago. I need to replace the motherboard, but keep all the other components. The model of the original motherboard is no longer available, so I plan to replace it with one from another manufacturer that uses the same socket #. I will use everything from the original motherboard. That includes the CPU, memory, video card and drives. Since the the OS will see that the CPU serial # is the same, will the new mobo cause have a problem when I try to activate the OEM version of Win 7?

 

The problem is that either the mobo or CPU is defective, but I haven't been able to find a replacement with the same manufacturer and model. It's a socket LGA 1156 mobo. I keep getting a BSOD and I've tried to isolate the problem. I've done a clean re-install of the OS, swapped parts, etc. Everything except the mobo and CPU. I've also monitored temperatures. Perhaps i can find a sympathetic MS tech support person.

 

One suggestion, go into the BIOS (startup settings), find the drive controller settings and turn off AHCI mode.

Try reinstalling then.

 

I already have a new mobo in hand, but I won't be able to install it until late in the week. I'm done trying to trouble shoot the old board. If it means getting a new copy of Win 7, so be it. I'll report what happens when I try to activate the OEM copy of Win 7.

 

Hi,

I have twice changed the mobo for CPU upgrades using Windows 7 and never had a licence problem. Both times it just needed a phone call to MS - there was no quibbling at all, a new key was instantly given, itg just takes a couple of minutes.

Roger

 

Roger, thanks. That gives me some hope that I'll not have to buy a new OS.

 

I didn't even have to re-install Windows. I booted into Safe Mode, installed drivers for the new board from the DVD, and it ran perfectly. After rebooting, I got newer drivers from the manufacturer online. I replaced a Gigabyte Sandy Bridge board with an Intel Sandy Bridge board.