I'm keeping my CPU but swapping for a different motherboard and installing the OS with a new key (previous was OEM) and I was wondering if there are any additional steps I need to take. Some have told me I have to format my HDD and others have said it will be fine. Will all my data and settings be fine? (I'm using the same OS just have to reinstall it with a new key).
Do I need to format my hard drive or do any additional steps when swapping for a new motherboard and OS install?
- Thread starter jupiter78
- Start date
Solution
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
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Hi,
Don't get a new key. Why?
Since you're swapping the motherboard but keeping the CPU this is effectively a "repair build" and since it's the same socket etc it's very likely it would work fine though you may need to make a few changes.
If it's Windows 7 or 8 then I'd recommend upgrading to Windows 10 when it's released.
1. Replace motherboard and hook up PC
2. Boot and see if it works.
3. May need to update some motherboard specific software
4. Upgrade to Windows 10 later
*I'd still follow a CLEAN INSTALL upgrade to Windows 10 though which wipes everything. For that I'd:
1) Make a backup IMAGE of main drive (Acronis True Image or similar)
2) Move over any critical data manually to a folder (take your time), write down passwords etc
3) Install W10 from scratch (will be instructions online)
4) Apply drivers, install programs, move data over etc
Don't get a new key. Why?
Since you're swapping the motherboard but keeping the CPU this is effectively a "repair build" and since it's the same socket etc it's very likely it would work fine though you may need to make a few changes.
If it's Windows 7 or 8 then I'd recommend upgrading to Windows 10 when it's released.
1. Replace motherboard and hook up PC
2. Boot and see if it works.
3. May need to update some motherboard specific software
4. Upgrade to Windows 10 later
*I'd still follow a CLEAN INSTALL upgrade to Windows 10 though which wipes everything. For that I'd:
1) Make a backup IMAGE of main drive (Acronis True Image or similar)
2) Move over any critical data manually to a folder (take your time), write down passwords etc
3) Install W10 from scratch (will be instructions online)
4) Apply drivers, install programs, move data over etc
- Mar 16, 2013
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New motherboard and CPU, be fully prepared for if it does not boot with the old OS.
That is VERY much of a sometimes thing. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
If it does not boot with the new hardware, and you have not saved your data elsewhere first...then what?
Prepare for that eventuality.
For that level hardware change, a full reinstall is always recommended, often required.
That is VERY much of a sometimes thing. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
If it does not boot with the new hardware, and you have not saved your data elsewhere first...then what?
Prepare for that eventuality.
For that level hardware change, a full reinstall is always recommended, often required.
I bought a new key because I was told that since my OS is OEM is tied to the motherboard. The computer is also a prebuilt. I suppose I could try to boot it up without installing the new key and see if everything would be fine. It may be worth noting that the new motherboard is a new brand and new chipset. (Previous motherboard was actually incompatible).
Apologies, that I am an extreme noob when it comes to computers but how would I best back up my data? Nearly all of my games are on Steam so I can reinstall them but what should I do with all my saves, mod files, and other programs? Flash drive?
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
Windows 10:
This is NOT irrelevant. It's being offered as a FREE upgrade to Win7 or 8. Even the PreRelease version right now could be applied and it will update automatically to the full version later with no reinstallation. I believe after release Microsoft will offer an "upgrade" via Microsoft Updates though I'd recommend burning a DVD and doing a clean install.
Can he just "swap" the motherboard and keep everything as is?
Maybe. Seriously, it doesn't hurt to try (after backing up some data). If it works fine then you're done then maybe do the Windows 10 upgrade later.
Have I done this myself?
Yes, several times. Years ago with XP it was almost guaranteed to fail. I've had mostly success in recent years. Usually it's almost guaranteed to work if the same chips are used.
Would I recommend reinstalling Windows?
Yes, in general. However I know a lot of people who aren't very great with computers who will end up losing a lot of data despite being told to backup so simply swapping and seeing if it works is a pretty good option.
Again though, no matter what plan out your strategy.
Other:
OEM needs new key for new motherboard?
I don't think so. Again, it's considered a repair build if you swap the motherboard. If you swapped to a different SOCKET (i.e. upgrading motherboard, CPU) that's a different story.
This is NOT irrelevant. It's being offered as a FREE upgrade to Win7 or 8. Even the PreRelease version right now could be applied and it will update automatically to the full version later with no reinstallation. I believe after release Microsoft will offer an "upgrade" via Microsoft Updates though I'd recommend burning a DVD and doing a clean install.
Can he just "swap" the motherboard and keep everything as is?
Maybe. Seriously, it doesn't hurt to try (after backing up some data). If it works fine then you're done then maybe do the Windows 10 upgrade later.
Have I done this myself?
Yes, several times. Years ago with XP it was almost guaranteed to fail. I've had mostly success in recent years. Usually it's almost guaranteed to work if the same chips are used.
Would I recommend reinstalling Windows?
Yes, in general. However I know a lot of people who aren't very great with computers who will end up losing a lot of data despite being told to backup so simply swapping and seeing if it works is a pretty good option.
Again though, no matter what plan out your strategy.
Other:
OEM needs new key for new motherboard?
I don't think so. Again, it's considered a repair build if you swap the motherboard. If you swapped to a different SOCKET (i.e. upgrading motherboard, CPU) that's a different story.
- Mar 16, 2013
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Windows 10 later is irrelevant to getting the current OS up and running on the new proposed hardware now.
We're not talking about the license issue, but rather the operating issue. Will it boot? Unknown. And if you haven't prepared for if it doesn't, much hassle is involved.
Yes, it is a free Tech Preview, and will be a free upgrade after release in July(?).
If he wants to install Win 10, or if he wants to continue with the current OS...same installation issues. Back up personal data and full reinstall with the new hardware.
We're not talking about the license issue, but rather the operating issue. Will it boot? Unknown. And if you haven't prepared for if it doesn't, much hassle is involved.
Yes, it is a free Tech Preview, and will be a free upgrade after release in July(?).
If he wants to install Win 10, or if he wants to continue with the current OS...same installation issues. Back up personal data and full reinstall with the new hardware.
- Mar 16, 2013
- 171,456
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That is completely up to MS. The licensing agreement says that other than a replacement motherboard in case of fail, that OEM license is tied to that first motherboard.
Are they often lenient? Yes. But they are under no obligation to allow that license to be used on new hardware.
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