Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) refers to software for computer builders at a discounted price without direct support to the end user. In some cases the OEM software license is tied to the computer that it came with, but that doesn't prevent you from changing any hardware. The hardware in your computer can be replaced or upgraded including your motherboard without having a serious problem with your OEM license.
Instructions
1. Read the OEM license. You may be able to find this in your computer manual, software manual, on the software manufacturer's website or in a file in the programs folder. Look to see if there is any language about the license being tied to the motherboard. As long as no requirement like this exists, you can change the motherboard.
2. Open the computer case by unscrewing the access door from the back of the computer case. There should be several Phillips screws holding the door in place. There may also be a button or lever to release the door.
3. Detach all the hardware. This will require disconnecting all of the cables. Most will pull straight out but others will need to have a tab pushed to release them such as the big power cable in the middle of the motherboard. Unscrew the cards from the back of the computer case and lift them out. Push the sides of the RAM to release the RAM sticks and pull them out. Unscrew the CPU fan and heat sink from on top of the CPU. Lift the CPU bar and lift the CPU out. The motherboard is at the bottom of the case and takes up most of the bottom. Unscrew the several screws attaching the motherboard to the case. Lift out the motherboard.
4. Replace the old motherboard with a new one by putting the new board where the old one was and screwing it in place (see Resources). Move the CPU, the CPU fan and heat sink and the memory to the new motherboard. Reconnect all of the hardware and cables. Everything should go in the new motherboard the way it came out of the old board. Make sure the CPU lines up in the CPU socket. The CPU and the socket will each be missing a pin and pinhole in one corner to match up. The case wires will need to be connected to the motherboard according to the motherboard's manual. The cables push right into the pins but the label next to each pin is usually too small to read without help.
5. Restart the computer and see if starts up. If this is OEM Windows, it may not start or may start with problem; in this case, reinstall Windows. Put the OEM CD in the drive and restart the computer.
6. Press the appropriate key during boot to enter the BIOS. The key to enter will be listed on the screen when the computer starts. Change the boot order to make the CD or DVD drive the first option. You will see several menus. Look for the boot order menu and click the enter key. Use the arrow keys to select the first device. Press enter and choose the CD as the first device. Choose the "Exit and Save" option in the menu. Restart again and let the computer boot to the CD. Accept the license agreement by typing F8. Do not choose the first option to repair Windows; instead, choose the option to reinstall Windows when it appears on one of the follow menus.
Tags: computer case, back computer, back computer case, boot order, choose first, computer starts, first device