New Mobo = Reinstall?

[tech_guy]

I have a laptop with a failed motherboard. I have managed to source an identical replacement make and model board.

If I fit this will I have to reinstall Windows Vista Home Premium?

[DMcCoy]

I doubt it, should all work if its the same model. May have to reactivate vista though due to a new mac/serial for the board.

[FN-GM]

I haven’t had problems doing this with XP and I have done it a number of times, not sure with Vista though. As DMcCoy says you may need to reactivate.

[ahuxham]

And if the laptop was provided with an OEM activation license, its out of the question, as you can only activate to one MAC/Serial/Hardware ID.

[FN-GM]

Depending where he got the old board there maybe an OEM licence with that

[Stevenw]

vista should just work.

but you may have to reactivate it if it don't work over the net phone Microsoft with the number provided and explain that the old motherboard broke and you have replaced it with exactly the same motherboard and they should not have a problem with reactivating it for you.

And if the laptop was provided with an OEM activation license, its out of the question, as you can only activate to one MAC/Serial/Hardware ID.

true unless it is faulty and it replaced by the same make and model.