Motherboard Upgrading

if i update my motherboard and all othe rcomponents (graphics -sound etc) but still keep the same harddrive.

will i still have to buy and install a new OS for my computer?

thanks for the help

 

how do i do that?

i mean my OS isn't on CD it came pre-installed with my comp when i bought it.

 

okay you completely lost me.

i bought this from Dixons and had a warranty and all that(which has expired).

if by genuine you mean 'not fake' then i think mine should have been in this category.

 

Well, i was thinking techinically windows are pc based right? 1 OS for 1 pc. But since your upgrading, i think it is possible to retain the current os (since your getting a new mobo and etc but using the same hdd)

 

You should be able to use your product key and obtain a version from the Microsoft site a lot of Dell systems are coming that way

 

No unless it is a direct replacement the boot sector info or MBR is unique. If you change your mobo it is a rule of thumb to reformat the drive and install the OS fresh.

 

lol thanks guys.

i can do windows update.

but the thing is i had no product key or anything it was just installed and everything was ready as soon as i turned on my PC.

hmmmmm gotta ask my mom if she still has the receipt and then try n find it

if not goodbye to my ambitious dreams

 

Kinda pain in the ass when i formated a laptop (sister's friend). The cd key is beneath the laptop and i had to turn the laptop downwars while entering the cd key

 

Lol, was formating half way when it ask for the key

 

lols at lacus

@adrian;

when you say chasis, do you mean its just on the back and i have to move my desktop to see it or do you mean its on the inside of the chasis.

 

Not Adrian Bro but it should be located on the rear panel at the top or sometimes the left side panel near the top. In all cases its located outside the chassis

 

cool i'll check it after i come back from college XD

 

i just contacted packard bell and they say they do not provide Cds as it is an pre-installed OEM version. if i change my mobo i will have to purchase a new OS.

is there anyway to get around that?