Keeping hard drive data when switching to new motherboard

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
M

mkchampion14

Distinguished
Dec 6, 2010
93
0
18,640
Hi all,
I'm thinking of upgrading my current X58 system (i7-930) to a new Z87-based system (haven't decided on which exactly yet, likely an i7-4770k). I'll be keeping everything else (RAM, video card, PSU etc.) the same.

I am currently booting Windows 8.1 off a Samsung 840 EVO 250gb SSD, and have 2 hard drives (WD Black 1TB and WD Green 2TB) used as storage alongside the SSD.

I expect to have to reinstall Windows on the SSD when I install the new cpu and motherboard, and put any documents and programs that were installed back on it, is that accurate?
What I'm really worried about is if the data on the other HDD's will also be lost. They are not running windows; they only have documents and some games, possibly other programs on them. Will all of that also be gone with the new motherboard?

Thanks.
 
Solution
draconis123
Go to C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep and open sysprep.exe

Make sure system cleanup action is set to "Enter system Out-of-box experience (OOBE)"

Make sure "Generalize" is checked. Make sure shutdown options is changed to Shutdown.

What this does is removes all drivers and all unique identifiers and such but saves your data. I did this when I moved my ssd from my laptop to my new gaming build. You have to install all drivers from scratch but all programs and data will remain.

Don't do anything while the process is being completed. Once the computer shuts down do not turn it back on until you've put the hard drive into the new system. Once you do it will go through a setup like its a brand new system but with all your data entact.

Worked...
Sort by date Sort by votes
CraniumZ

CraniumZ

Reputable
Jul 13, 2014
141
0
4,710
I think it will ask you for a key to activate windows. I don't think that reinstalling windows deletes your stuff. I think it creates a windows.old folder or old.windows where your stuff is kept safe.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,442
17,908
184,590


Never rely on the probable creation of a 'windows.old' to keep your stuff safe. Ever.
Have your critical stuff saved elsewhere and offline.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
kira70591

kira70591

Honorable
Feb 2, 2014
580
0
11,360
You had might as well upgrade to a z97 system. The 4790k would be a better choice than the 4770k as it will run cooler. The price difference between these two are minimal and will serve you better for longer. If you choose to upgrade the CPU, you can just drop in a Broadwell CPU in a z97 system once Broadwell is released.

It is always best to do a clean install of Windows when you change components such as a motherboard; however, try booting up the machine into safe mode and you could replace the existing drivers with the ones that are correct for your new system. It would be best to do a clean install though, in that case you would be best off reinstalling the programs on your other HDDs. Your regular documents and such will not be affected.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
draconis123

draconis123

Honorable
Jan 24, 2014
115
0
10,760
Go to C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep and open sysprep.exe

Make sure system cleanup action is set to "Enter system Out-of-box experience (OOBE)"

Make sure "Generalize" is checked. Make sure shutdown options is changed to Shutdown.

What this does is removes all drivers and all unique identifiers and such but saves your data. I did this when I moved my ssd from my laptop to my new gaming build. You have to install all drivers from scratch but all programs and data will remain.

Don't do anything while the process is being completed. Once the computer shuts down do not turn it back on until you've put the hard drive into the new system. Once you do it will go through a setup like its a brand new system but with all your data entact.

Worked great for me and good luck!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
M

mkchampion14

Distinguished
Dec 6, 2010
93
0
18,640


Thanks for the clarification!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
M

mkchampion14

Distinguished
Dec 6, 2010
93
0
18,640


I didn't know about that, I'll definitely try it! Thanks!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
M

mkchampion14

Distinguished
Dec 6, 2010
93
0
18,640


Is the difference between the 4790k and 4770k just base clock speed? And I hadn't known about Z97, will definitely check it out (my possible upgrade is a while away so I haven't started researching yet :p). Any Z97 motherboard recommendations?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
kira70591

kira70591

Honorable
Feb 2, 2014
580
0
11,360
The 4790k or "Devils Canyon" chip, also has a better TIM (thermal interface material). This allows it to run cooler and it is not like you are upgrading from a 4770k to this new chip. Since it is a new build, it is a much better investment as the price difference between the two is minimal. I would highly recommend a board such as the MSI z97 Mpower or one of their "Gaming" boards such as the Gaming 5 or 7. You could also go with one of their boards such as the z97 GD65. I have had absolutely fantastic experiences with MSI boards and have used them in many builds with no problems.

Z97 would also allow you to upgrade to one of the upcoming "Broadwell" chips should you wish to in the future.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom