Windows OEM - Mobo Crashed, how retreive data?

[commodorered]

I use OEM VIsta. I hadn't transferred files for a month. When my mobo just conked out. I have to replace it; but it's old; socket 939, thus need to upgrade it. One thing can't change with OEM version. I don't mind reinstalling Windows to reinstall the key - but there are files I'd like to transfer. How can I get the files? Can I use the drive on another computer as a 2nd drive (not boot) to get the data? Thanks for help, apologies if this isn't the best thread or there've been similar questions I only looked for 10 minute =)

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by commodorered I use OEM 7. I hadn't transferred files for a month. When my mobo just conked out. I have to replace it; but it's old; socket 939, thus need to upgrade it. One thing can't change with OEM version. I don't mind reinstalling Windows to reinstall the key - but there are files I'd like to transfer. How can I get the files? Can I use the drive on another computer as a 2nd drive (not boot) to get the data? Thanks for help, apologies if this isn't the best thread or there've been similar questions I only looked for 10 minute =)

you need to pull the hard drive and slave it to another PC or laptop via usb to copy the files over. Here is the adapter you require.

IDE/SATA to USB 2.0 Cable Adapter - Turn Your 2.5", 3.5" or 5.25" IDE or SATA Drive Into A USB Drive! 2020

[commodorered]

Thanks. So adapter is the easiest way? Cant slave it internally to get the data?

[Nuclear Krusader]

Yes, you can. You don't specify, so I'm assuming it's a desktop PC that just gave up the ghost on you. What interface is this HDD: IDE or serial ATA?

[strollin]

Either method will work. The adapter is something really handy to have around so you might consider getting one anyway as they aren't that expensive.

[commodorered]

It's a Serial ATA, Seagate. Desktop PC, OEM Windows on it. I built the computer myself, and knew the OEM Windows would bite me in the butt one day. I will get the adapter seems like easiest solution.

I just hope Microsoft will allow a reissue key for the same OEM given the circumstance, I barely scrapped by buying a new mobo/cpu/ram. But I've heard ppl in similar situations being able to reissue their OEM.

[Nuclear Krusader]

You still don't tell us which version of Windows it is: XP, Vista, 7...

If the machine you are going to use to rescue the data has SATA ports on the mobo you don't need an adapter. Only if you're going to use a laptop, then you need that adapter.

[flanzig1]

when you say "OEM XP", are you saying the OEM buiders XP like you get from Newegg. If so, should be able to replace the mobo(CPU/ram if need be) and once the computer is running, do a repair install and reactivate the XP license. I have done this many times on systems with a dead mobo.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Originally Posted by commodorered I use OEM VIsta.

Jeez, I'm going blind.

[commodorered]

Yes I got it from newegg, system builders OEM. And not blind it's actually XP not Vista oops. It used to be Vista but it had issues so went back to XP before Windows 7 came out. ANYWAYS not to confuse more lol ---

This is an old cpu mobo I'm using now, one Sata port that's being used by this drive. I could use a friends PC maybe; but adapter seems easiest and would be handy in future and 15 bucks not bad I could forgo a few beers this weekend =).

Originally Posted by flanzig1 when you say "OEM XP", are you saying the OEM buiders XP like you get from Newegg. If so, should be able to replace the mobo(CPU/ram if need be) and once the computer is running, do a repair install and reactivate the XP license. I have done this many times on systems with a dead mobo.

As for Flanzig --- question - so, when you say replace mobo you mean a different mobo model or the same exact model? I know replacing same model is within the EULA. But a different one is not, which is what I have to do, being I have an older mobo socket type, thus I need to replace CPU and RAM too. So you've been able to reactivate it after repair/reinstall to a new different model mobo? Have to talk to someone? (thanks for responses too guys =)

[glc]

I have yet to have a problem getting OEM Windows reactivated online. I haven't even had to call on the phone and plead my case yet. The OEM XP on this computer is now on its 4th computer. You just can't do it often - I believe it's every 120 days.