Windows Client for It Pros
Windows Server
March 5, 2025
Hello! Do you have a question about Windows Server or Windows Client for IT Pros?
Please note that both categories together with questions have been moved to Microsoft Q&A. This change will help us provide a more streamlined and efficient experience for all your questions and discussions.
Windows Client for It Pros
Windows Server
I've changed my laptop motherboard ,what's needed to activate my windows 7 home premium geniune edition
Report abuse
Thank you.
Reported content has been submitted

Hi, Anwar,
A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty.
The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the End User Software License Terms and the support of the software covered by those terms. The End User Software License Terms are a set of usage rights granted to the end user by the PC manufacturer, and relate only to rights for that software as installed on that particular PC. The system builder is required to support the software on the original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PCs with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define the original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created. The original system builder did not manufacture this new PC, and therefore cannot be expected to support it.
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx#fbid=-I1bjKaETrp
Phone activation.
1. With Windows running click Start, then in the Search box type: slui.exe 4
2. Press Enter on your Keyboard
3. Select your Country.
4. Select the Phone Activation option, then call the number given and hold for a real person. Do not press any keys or say anything until a real person answers.
Explain in detail your situation.
Go to www.microsoft.com/genuine/validate - Does the system validate?
Report abuse
Thank you.
Reported content has been submitted
1 person found this reply helpful
·Was this reply helpful?
Sorry this didn't help.
Great! Thanks for your feedback.
How satisfied are you with this reply?
Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.
How satisfied are you with this reply?
Thanks for your feedback.