Upgrading PC & I need help

Hey guys,

I am planing to upgrade my current computer hardware from AMD 64 3400+ to a Phenom II CPU. Obviously I will have to buy new Motherboard, RAM and CPU but I will keep the same hard-drive, PSU etc. Where I need help is with the Windows OS, since I haven't got a Windows CD, I am thinking borrowing one from my friend and using it with the same Windows code that I can find sticked on my case. This is where I am not sure if this is going to work and if it's going to be legal thing to do.

Will using my friends windows cd and using my product key which can be found on my case, will it work? Or will I need to buy a new version of windows?

Thx for any help :D

If it's Windows XP, then that should work. However, with Windows Vista, you'll have to contact tech support to use your old key. Changing your motherboard is considered getting a new computer to them, so it won't re-activate it.

Hey guys,

I am planing to upgrade my current computer hardware from AMD 64 3400+ to a Phenom II CPU. Obviously I will have to buy new Motherboard, RAM and CPU but I will keep the same hard-drive, PSU etc. Where I need help is with the Windows OS, since I haven't got a Windows CD, I am thinking borrowing one from my friend and using it with the same Windows code that I can find sticked on my case. This is where I am not sure if this is going to work and if it's going to be legal thing to do.

Will using my friends windows cd and using my product key which can be found on my case, will it work? Or will I need to buy a new version of windows?

Thx for any help :D

Mitjastiskovski

You will need to reinstall different hardware you could maybe do a repair install but I would just do a clean install if your freinds cd is not oem copy your key may not work.

I am using XP but as for the EOM CD, how can I tell it's EOM cd or not? And what if it is EOM cd, does this mean I am screwed?

I am using XP but as for the EOM CD, how can I tell it's EOM cd or not? And what if it is EOM cd, does this mean I am screwed?

Mitjastiskovski

OEM cd's are installation ghost disks that come with 1 time keys . these are typically only found with prebuilt machines (acer, dell, HP, emachines as an example) once there used you need to get in touch with there tech support to see if they will renew/reactivate it. the only way to tell read the physical CD carefully it will look different from a normal OS boot disc and typically say OEM somewhere.