I am RMA'ing motherboard and CPU. What do I need to know?

CarlCAgathon

Junior Member
Feb 26, 2013
14
0
0
I've already installed Windows 7 onto my SSD. Unfortunately, my motherboard is having boot loop problems. Since I'm still within my return period to Microcenter, I will be returning the motherboard/cpu combo I purchased.

My questions are:

1) Will I have to contact Microsoft about reinstalling my OEM copy of Windows 7 onto a new motherboard. I've heard that they make license exceptions for faulty motherboards.

2) When I get the new motherboard, will I just have to reformat my boot drive and HDD to completely delete the OS and reinstall?
 

jimpz

Member
Oct 25, 2008
34
0
66
If you're getting the same motherboard, you should be all set. If the motherboard is different, you may have to call MS to activate, it's an easy process. While there are MS rules on OEM versions, MS techs are 'very forgiving' to people(like us) whom buy OEM copies. (personal experience) & ALWAYS telling them the truth.

JimPz
 

dawp

Lifer
Jul 2, 2005
11,347
2,709
136
if you're certain that the trouble is the board, you wont have to return the cpu, just the board.

I had grabbed an asrock z77 pro4 instead of the z77 extreme4 I wanted, (almost identical boxes 1 shelf apart) and they exchanged the next day no problem, just paid the difference in price.