Thirith on 11/8/2008 at 10:35
If you get a new mainboard/CPU combo, how necessary is it to reinstall Windows? I know that it's definitely recommended, but is it something you can get away without? And if so, what's the best/worst case scenario?
baeuchlein on 11/8/2008 at 11:44
I have not tried to keep an operating system when changing the mainboard since Windows 98, but read something about that concerning Windows XP.
Save your data (make a backup) before trying all this just in case anything goes wrong.
According to what I have read, you should try to uninstall the mainboard's drivers (e.g., chipset, IDE and AGP drivers), then shut down the old computer and exchange the mainboard. After that, turn on the new machine, hope for the best and see whether it works.
If the newer hardware is somewhat similar to the previous one (e.g., same chipset or chipset from same manufacturer), your chances of changing the board and keeping the operating system increase.
Thirith on 11/8/2008 at 11:53
Thanks for the reply and tips, Little Belly! :D
Haplo on 11/8/2008 at 11:56
I did that once and Windows XP picked up all the new hardware without any problem.
TheOutrider on 11/8/2008 at 17:26
I can confirm the "no problems at all" experience. When the Windows PC at my previous job died, we just built a new one - going from an Athlon 1000MHz, SIS chipset and onboard SIS graphics to a Celeron with an Intel chipset and an FX5200. XP didn't care at all, only wanted to re-activate (reasonably enough).
bikerdude on 11/8/2008 at 18:06
Hi Outrider
Im afraid you will have to reinstall windows(if its 2000/Xp/Vista) because your changing the motherboard...!!!
The reason is because the kernel in your current windows install will be customized for the previous motherboard.
And if its vista just changing the CPU causes the DRM(digital rights managment in the OS to think you've been a naughty boy - so you have to reinstall windows.
biker
TheOutrider on 11/8/2008 at 18:49
Read my post - I HAVE swapped the mainboard already with no problems at all. The ONLY thing that definitely requires reinstallation is when you're swapping between ACPI and non-ACPI mainboards.
As for swapping the CPU - I've not tried doing this on Vista, but on XP all it did was trigger the "omg activate pl0x" thing, which went through fine. Of course I had to call Microsoft and explain why all of the hardware had suddenly changed, but aside from that the switch I described above went without a single problem.
Plus I wasn't the one asking about this stuff anyway, just confirming that there's a fair chance that even swapping mainboard, CPU *and* graphics card will Just Work.
Jadon on 12/8/2008 at 21:40
I can also confirm that switching motherboards and keeping your old windows install will work (for XP at least) and im pretty sure it was a non-ACPI to ACPI motherboard thing.
Only things to watch out for is OS activation which will happen cause of such drastic hardware changes (unless you are changing out a board with another board with the same chipset as previous, but thats another story) and that you previous install most likely will NOT have the drivers for your new board and any components that come with it so make sure you have your drivers for the new board available.
Also, I'm sure this wont happen to you but if your new board wont boot with your old drive you'll probably need a another computer to do fun :eww: file transferring between the old and a new one.
ps.I like quick edit
sNeaksieGarrett on 23/8/2008 at 05:53
Yes (from what I've experienced), in Windows xp it's called a "Repair install" My father did this on his computer, and all his programs and everything were still in-tact... Though I am almost convinced that a problem he's having is related to the change of motherboards... So, there's possible risk, but you can certainly do it as others have already said here. Also, you can't exactly uninstall previous motherboard drivers if your previous motherboard got fried and you can't access the windows partition.:erg: (In that case, it's almost required to install a fresh copy of windows xp rather than trying to repair install.)
bikerdude on 23/8/2008 at 07:50
Quote Posted by sNeaksieGarrett
Though I am almost convinced that a problem he's having is related to the change of motherboards...
This is why I always recommend a clean install, windows isnt the most stable OS and its dosent need much prodding etc.
biker
