OS part of mobo or CPU?

[mconnelly]

This is gonna sound very amateur but, Does an OS attach itself to the mobo or the CPU? In other words, if I bought a new CPU will I have to purchase another OS? And the same goes for the motherboard. If I upgrade my mobo will I have to but Windows 7 again?

 

[CleaverX]

It all depends of the licensing for the current OS.


OEM licensing: Typical of what you get when you buy a computer at the store. The OS is tied to the mobo.
If you need to replace the mobo, it must be one made by the computer manufacturer. If you go with a retail mobo, you will need to buy a retail version of Windows.


Retail License: Activated against the mobo, but you can change it out with a different one and then must re-activate with the original key.

 

[mconnelly]

Thank you. So, I have a custom build. If I purchase a different brand name mobo, I won't need a new license of windows. Am I correct?

 

[dustyjay]

While you would still need to reinstall the OS on the new motherboard and activate it, you would not need to purchase a new Product Key to reinstall the Retail OS. The Drivers for the new motherboard would be different for the new motherboard than for the old motherboard.

 

[TerryNet]

That, of course, is assuming a Retail version. The Windows may be an OEM System Builder's.

 

[mconnelly]

I don't remember if its retail or OEM. Is there any way to tell?

 

[mconnelly]

All right, never mind. I do have an OEM version of 7. So, if I use the same motherboard brand, I won't need to buy another license of windows right?

 

[dustyjay]

Is this OEM copy from a PC Manufacturer (ie... Dell, HP/Compaq, etc....) or was it purchased as a System Builder. If from a Major PC Manufacturer, then you may not use it on any other computer (motherboard) than the one it was provided with. If as a system builder, you are the manufacturer (Builder) and as long as the particular copy of windows is not installed on any other you won't need a new Product Key.

 

[TerryNet]

OEM, including System Builder's, versions are "locked" to the original computer (motherboard). However, to activate Windows on a different computer (motherboard) requires a phone call to Microsoft. Depending on the persuasiveness of your story you may be able to transfer an OEM version to a motherboard that seems to be outside what is allowed by strict reading of the license.