Re-installing Windows 7 (Same CD-Key)

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LeroyHarr

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Hello,

I have recently been through some serious problems with my computer. Drive mapping going wrong, viruses and all that can go wrong. I build this computer that I am using now about 1 and a half years ago, bought Windows 7 and installed the 64-bit version.

What I am asking is, can I re-install windows on the same computer with the same CD-Key? I would also like to update my mobo/bios. Will this still allow me to re-install using the same CD-Key?

I believe my copy of Windows 7 is an OEM. Does this make any difference?

Thanks for your time.
-Leroy
 
You should be OK if you are reinstalling on the same PC. Worse case scenario you will have to reactivate.

If all this fails then there's always Windows Loader by Daz :whistle:
 
In my experience, if you've already updated to SP1, and you reinstall using a disc
where SP1 isn't included, you'll need to reinstall SP1 before Apps like Internet
Explorer etc. will work properly again.

Just a heads up. :)
 
LeroyHarr said:
Hello,

I have recently been through some serious problems with my computer. Drive mapping going wrong, viruses and all that can go wrong. I build this computer that I am using now about 1 and a half years ago, bought Windows 7 and installed the 64-bit version.

What I am asking is, can I re-install windows on the same computer with the same CD-Key? I would also like to update my mobo/bios. Will this still allow me to re-install using the same CD-Key?

I believe my copy of Windows 7 is an OEM. Does this make any difference?

Thanks for your time.
-Leroy
Click to expand...

Did this about 4 months ago after my laptop h/d crashed. Worked fine!
 
Now changing your motherboard and reinstalling Windows 7... That's a different
story/absolute nightmare.
 
Now changing your motherboard and reinstalling Windows 7... That's a different
story/absolute nightmare.
 
Totempole said:
Now changing your motherboard and reinstalling Windows 7... That's a different
story/absolute nightmare.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't call it a nightmare, but you do have to go through the validation rigmarole again. I think it's easier if you have the retail version.
 
Lounger said:
I wouldn't call it a nightmare, but you do have to go through the validation rigmarole again. I think it's easier if you have the retail version.
Click to expand...

it all depends on how long it's been since initial installation. I did an install of a OEM version of Win 7 on a brand new machine 2 weeks ago after it was previously installed about 2 years ago on another machine, had no validation problems at all
 
Totempole said:
Now changing your motherboard and reinstalling Windows 7... That's a different
story/absolute nightmare.
Click to expand...

Umm... I am down for a challenge, but not sure if i'm up for a Windows/Microsoft Challenge. How is it a nightmare?

Lounger said:
I wouldn't call it a nightmare, but you do have to go through the validation rigmarole again. I think it's easier if you have the retail version.
Click to expand...

With the validation... do you mean entering the CD-Key? Or is there more to it? Is it just like the first time I installed it?
 
Totempole said:
In my experience, if you've already updated to SP1, and you reinstall using a disc
where SP1 isn't included, you'll need to reinstall SP1 before Apps like Internet
Explorer etc. will work properly again.

Just a heads up. :)
Click to expand...

Ah! Thanks for that. Yeah I installed SP1. Didn't come with it. And just to put it out there, Will never use Internet Explorer ;)
 
LeroyHarr said:
Umm... I am down for a challenge, but not sure if i'm up for a Windows/Microsoft Challenge. How is it a nightmare?



With the validation... do you mean entering the CD-Key? Or is there more to it? Is it just like the first time I installed it?
Click to expand...
That whole callback routine with the never-ending numbers to put in and confirm.
 
it's really pretty simple these days with win7, and it's just about being patient whilst entering all the numbers, took me about 5 minutes last night on another machine
 
Trust me, if you install a new mobo, with a different make and model, you're most likely
gonna run straight into a BSOD (It's something to do with a change in your HDD controller).
There are no workarounds for this in Win7.

Windows XP was more "forgiving" when you change your mobo, but not Win7.

With XP even if you changed from Intel to AMD, all you had to do was use the
"Disable IntelPPM" workaround.
 
Totempole said:
Trust me, if you install a new mobo, with a different make and model, you're most likely
gonna run straight into a BSOD (It's something to do with a change in your HDD controller).
There are no workarounds for this in Win7.

Windows XP was more "forgiving" when you change your mobo, but not Win7.

With XP even if you changed from Intel to AMD, all you had to do was use the
"Disable IntelPPM" workaround.
Click to expand...

I think you have lost the plot, the entire thread is about reinstalling the OS which is a non issue really. Swapping out hardware on a existing OS would be a problem though.
 
I in no way wish to replace any system components. I only want to flash my bios and re-install Win7.
 
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