Changing Motherboard, Can I keep my OS and Programs?

HVCFOG3Y34 · Jul 4, 2015

I'm getting a new motherboard and im wondering if I have to reinstall windows. I want to keep my programs and data. If you need specs let me know.

abaday789 · Jul 4, 2015

in short no you wont. Only thing you will have to do is install the new motherboard drivers as everything else runs off your hard drive

HVCFOG3Y34 · Jul 4, 2015

abaday789 :

OK thanks, my worries all gone... unless anyone else objects.

ss202sl · Jul 4, 2015

Are you replacing the MB with the same model? Some times Windows has problems working on a different MB than what it was originally installed on.

USAFRet · Jul 4, 2015

abaday789 :

Given the original info, we can't make that determination. Very often, a new motherboard requires a fresh OS insall. Which requires reinstall of everything else.

OP - is this an exact same motherboard swap? Or a whole different model?

HVCFOG3Y34 · Jul 4, 2015

USAFRet :

Its still and MSI but a different model yes.

I have a MSI-7732 w/ Win7 64x ---> MSI Z97-G45 Gaming

USAFRet · Jul 4, 2015

HVCFOG3Y34 :

This is a case of sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. There is no definitive yes or no.
The fact of being the same brand leans a little bit more towards the 'yes it will work' category, but no guarantees.

Better to prepare for if it doesn't and not need it. Rather than to not be prepared and it fails.

HVCFOG3Y34 · Jul 4, 2015

USAFRet :

HVCFOG3Y34 :

This is a case of sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. There is no definitive yes or no.
The fact of being the same brand leans a little bit more towards the 'yes it will work' category, but no guarantees.

Better to prepare for if it doesn't and not need it. Rather than to not be prepared and it fails.

How would you prepare for it?

USAFRet · Jul 4, 2015

HVCFOG3Y34 :

Same as you would for any full OS install.

Have your OS install and license key ready
Have installations, serial numbers, usernames, passwords...all saved elsewhere.
Have all your personal data that lives on that drive saved elsewhere and offline.
Find and download all the relevant drivers.
Your browser favorites, stuff like that.

All that may not be needed. It may boot up perfectly.
But better to have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.

HVCFOG3Y34 · Jul 4, 2015

USAFRet :

HVCFOG3Y34 :

Same as you would for any full OS install.

Have your OS install and license key ready
Have installations, serial numbers, usernames, passwords...all saved elsewhere.
Have all your personal data that lives on that drive saved elsewhere and offline.
Find and download all the relevant drivers.
Your browser favorites, stuff like that.

All that may not be needed. It may boot up perfectly.
But better to have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.

What do you mean by installations and what if I have multiple drives?

USAFRet · Jul 4, 2015

HVCFOG3Y34 :

USAFRet :

What do you mean by installations and what if I have multiple drives?

Installations....whatever other applications you want to (re)install.
Multiple drives? Have only the OS drive connected when you first power up after the swap.

HVCFOG3Y34 · Jul 4, 2015

USAFRet :

Didn't mean to pick your answer as best, the big green (one click activation non-undoable) button is very enticing to hit as a reply button.

What if my OS drive has some programs on it. And how would I know what programs are affected by an OS reinstall. For example Chrome, once I sign in it restores everything. While an antivirus program will have to be re setup.

USAFRet · Jul 4, 2015

HVCFOG3Y34 :

BA unselected.

As far as applications, some few may work just fine, most will need to be reinstalled. Can't say which ones either way.
When an applications is installed, a whole host of things happen. Registry entries, AppData, /Users/

Your new OS will know nothing about them.

USAFRet · Jul 4, 2015

Remember...this is all 'just in case'.

Tradesman1 · Jul 4, 2015

It will either work or it won't, if you have to reinstall will have to reinstall all apps also. Best bet is to make good backups of all your data and try. Win will start, look at the rig and install default drivers for all it can (make sure Win is up to date prior to starting), then if Win is up and running, load all the latest mobo drivers from the mobos website, those that come with it on CD will already prob be out off date. Next run a good reistry cleaner (Wise has a good free version), from there will prob have to reactivate Win, no big deal

UnderAttack · Jul 5, 2015

I will say you need to re-install the os, and also all the software
something it may work, but most time, crash happen.....

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