OEM Vista - Hardware replacement

Computer died a couple of weeks ago, and will get time to look into it in the next few weeks. So far, have tested another PSU with no results. Don't have a replacement mobo, CPU or RAM for testing, so plan to take it to a small shop for just that.

Based on:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824125

Can I assume that the RAM/CPU is a straight swap, and if I have to RMA the mobo for a like-for-like replacement (or a refurb), it too will be a straight swap?

The RAM should not cause an issue but a CPU change may trigger a reactivation requirement.

Even if you are just swapping out the mobo the chances are the BIOS will be a different version to the one you are running so it maybe a good idea to run a repair if you can anyway.

Case of suck it and see I'd say.

Edited by techguy (Sun 18-Sep-11 17:23:01)

Yup. Less bothered about the licensing aspect, and more about whether or not I have to re-install Windows and mess around that way. I'd prefer a swap and start solution.

You won't have to reinstall windows if you replace cpu or ram, only motherboard.

Mmm. Point being, if I get an identical replacement mobo (assume identical BIOS version too), will it be a reinstall?

Very unlikely. Even on XP, I swapped an entire system from P4 to Core2Quad on same hard disk (the only thing kept the same) and it booted fine.

Well that's not like for like. If it's the same MB I don't think it'll need changing either. So long as the same drivers are required it should run. Licensing is another issue though.