mobo replacement and windows 8.1 activation key

[RStout]

Model #       17-f053us

Product #    G6R30UA#ABA 

Windows 8.1

I bought this laptop new 16 months ago and  both USB 3.0 port failed and it's now out of warranty.  I purchased a used mobo 763422-501 the same as the one in the computer now.  I've been reading on the board that after a mobo change you must reactivate windows 8.1 and the key is imbedded in the BIOS.  Is there a way to get the activation key from the BIOS before I start the replacement?  Do I need the activation key from the mobo that is in the computer now or from the replacement board? Are there any other pitfalls I might encounter with this replacement?

[CherylG]

If the motherboard is identical to the original you may luck up and not have to re-activate. Windows 8 being Windows 8- you probably will have to. Best to retrieve the key from original board before proceeding.

This shows 3 methods/tools for the task. Just wade through the ads and don't click the wrong link.:)

https://itsolutionsblog.net/3-ways-to-extract-the-windows-8-product-key/

[RStout]

Thank you for your quick response.   I used RWEverything and extracted the activation key from the board in the computer before the swap.  When you said original board did you mean the the one that in the computer now before I start the swap?   I hope that didn't sound like to dumb of a question.

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

Yes, I was referring to the board that came in the laptop. If the new board has a key embedded Windows may just pick it up-but if not you have the original key to use.

[RStout]

Thanks