Hi carbonterry2,
There are a lot of "if" statements needed to answer your question:
If you used the free upgrade to Windows 10, then that license is good for the "life of the device". Changing out a motherboard is a major step in the eyes of Microsoft and they could reasonably argue that it is no longer the original device.
If you upgraded from a 32-bit OS then you received Win10 32-bit and will not be able to upgrade to 64-bit without shelling out some dough.
If you upgraded from any version lower than Win7 Pro, then you have that lower version and cannot upgrade to a higher version without shelling out some dough.
The only way I know of to avoid the "dough" part is to violate the EULA and ToS agreements. Either that, or stick with your current version and hope MS is in an understanding mood when you explain the Mobo problem.. It has been my experience that they usually are.
Hope this helps,
Richard
If You have a W7 retail version, then the license can be transfered to another machine or with another mobo install. Drivers should be included with the mobo replacement or download the drivers with another machine and transfer with a usb drive, or try to find an exact replacement.
Since the OS is already on the HDD then the only thing you will probably have to do is to click on the change product key and reenter the one you have. MS may complain but a phone call will usually get it activated. Good luck.
Jim Hillier
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dandl
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