Printable View
Hi folks, as I've mentioned elsewhere, I'm slowly trying to upgrade my current PC... Does anyone know what point I need a new copy of Windows? I have in mind that it is when I replace my motherboard, is that right? And is there a way around this (can I prove to Microsoft somehow that it is just me upgrading), or is that just the way it is?
Thanks in advance. :)
It will depend, among other things, what version of Windows licence you have. Retail versions are transferable, but OEM licences are generally tied to the original machine, and then it becomes a case of what degree of upgrade you can do before you effectively have a new machine.
Consider the old joke. I have a great broom. It's lasted 50 years. It's had 8 new heads and 5 new handles, but I love my old broom.
At what point us your broom/PC new, and when is it merely upgraded?
Motherboard change, for upgrade purposes rather than an identical replacement for a dead board, ususlly implies CPU and probably RAM upgrades, and surely, that's a new PC?
I think that is the crux of it. You can repair, and I don't think it has to be identical as you often can't source the same part, but OEM licenses don't allow for mainboard upgrade.Quote:
Originally Posted by Saracen
In reality I find it easy to trip having to phone microsoft but I haven't had a machine not allowed yet.
Cool, thanks guys. OEM software, so that answers that!
...Now to find a place I can get Windows 10 for cheap! ;)
How about you do the upgrade first and see if you can use phone activation to make it work?? If not get another copy. However,remember "cheap" copies tend to be volume license keys so you take your chances.Quote:
Originally Posted by FrostbiteXIII