Win 7 and hardware upgrade

[jmtjet]

I'm planning a hardware upgrade for my computer. I have Windows 7 Home Premium installed. I'm going to upgrade the CPU from an AMD Sempron to the more powerful AMD Athlon chip. also adding another Gig of memory. The reason for this upgrade: recently purchased and installed Pinnacle Studio 14 and it need a little more power to run smoothly. Will I have to reinstall Windows 7, or will Win 7 "see" the upgrades and sale merrily along? Also, what about registration? Will I need to re-register Windows 7 with Microsoft? Thanks.

[SuperSparks]

I would expect that upgrade to be OK, but there is no certain way of knowing in advance unfortunately, you just have to try it and see. If it does BSOD, you can "upgrade" Windows over itself, and Setup will write a new HAL and all should be well. Again, with activation, I wouldn't expect those changes to cause any issues, but if it does a quick phone call to MS will sort that out

[Dodge]

You may have to reactivate. Most likely not though. Hard to say with Windows though. I've done upgades like you mentioned and didn't have to reactivate, then I only changed the memory and had to reactivate. All depends on the mood your Windows installation is in on that day...

Like SS said, try it and see. The worst that will happen is an Overinstall (Upgrade over what you have like SS said) which will clear things up for you.

[jmtjet]

Thanks for the replies. I'm waiting for the parts to come. Finishing my taxes in the mean time and backing everything up.

[SuperSparks]

Finishing my taxes in the mean time

Do what I do, just send them a stone and a covering note to tell them to take as much blood as they want. Doesn't take any time at all

[jmtjet]

Taxes are done and memory chip has arrived. So I think I'll install that tonight. As far as the taxes, it's like casting bread on the water. We'll see if they float or not.

[jmtjet]

OK, installed the memory without a prob. Now we'll see what happens when the CPU arrives.