- First off im a nub with a first time build and this is my first post on a computer forum - Please keep that in mind.
I am building a new computer to replace my old one. I am replacing everything EXCEPT the Hard drive. So obviously I need to reinstall windows. But I do not want for all my files, settings, programs to be ersased.
I have Windows 7 Home Premium OEM. I do have the Activation/CD key avalible to me. I heard that you can do a reinstall of windows (or upgrade) but OEM does not support it or you lose your activation key.
Can you guys please help me? Remeber I have win7 OEM and I need to reinstall windows in a new computer without losing programs.
If you aren't replacing the hard drive why do you need to reinstall Windows? If you just plug your drive into the new rig your license will likely become invalid because it's technically on a different machine (the mobo is what defines the system). I think you can phone MS and they will give you a new key.
The OEM key is tied to the motherboard and is not transferable, if you call up MS and tell them your motherboard died and you had to replace it they may give you a new key
Now wait a minute. I transferred my old HDD into my new build. First, you'll HAVE to reinstall windows because you will get a BSOD on boot up, due to driver errors. Also, the OEM key that I got when I bought my computer with W7 Pre-installed works fine in the new build.
I actually had to switch mobo on my build and Win7 works as should without having any problems with the OEM/Activation, I don't know what triggers the thing that Win7 want a new licence for a new machine, but in my case switching mobo wasn't any problem. And for the original question, the system should run as expected if you keep the HDD as the others have said, and with some luck Win7 won't get to cranky about it.