Switching Mobo do i have to reinstall windows???

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ropota

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Apr 15, 2015
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I am running windows 8.1. I currently have a Asrock h97m Pro4 mobo. I have all the appropriate drivers installed for this mobo. I want to go the ITX route now and I'm looking at the Asus h97i-plus. I am afraid that the drivers installed for the Asrock mobo would mess with the new Asus h97i-plus. Do I have to just bite the bullet and reinstall windows and have to redownload all my games or should this not be a problem at all???
 
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I made a motherboard change without Reinstalling Windows 7. I think, Windows 8 should be even better regarding at this.

I upgraded from (defective) Gigabyte H87-D3H to ASRock Z97 Extreme6.

First, I made markers on any SATA cable which SATA connection it used. Important is, if you had AHCI on while installing Windows, then you should turn it on too in UEFI (or just don't turn it off, unless it was off before). After connecting all cables (and the CPU), I could start Windows. But it hang on login screen. I had to use an old keyboard with PS/2 connection (luckily I had one around), because the USB driver of new motherboard aren't installed. Then I could navigate and used the CD with the drivers, installed them and deinstalled some...
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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May 29, 2013
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The most stable implementation is to do a clean install when a motherboard change is done. Those have the same basic chipset, so you might get away with it.
Some people on this board report that Win 8.1 is more forgiving when a motherboard swap is done. I can't speak to that.
 
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SethS

SethS

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Nov 19, 2013
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I would probably say no, but you'll have to change hdd settings in bios, and update the chipset drivers. just make sure you uninstall all previous drivers associated with the motherboard.
 
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ropota

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Apr 15, 2015
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I might go this route. I just hate dealing with drivers :(
 
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turbopixel

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May 18, 2015
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I made a motherboard change without Reinstalling Windows 7. I think, Windows 8 should be even better regarding at this.

I upgraded from (defective) Gigabyte H87-D3H to ASRock Z97 Extreme6.

First, I made markers on any SATA cable which SATA connection it used. Important is, if you had AHCI on while installing Windows, then you should turn it on too in UEFI (or just don't turn it off, unless it was off before). After connecting all cables (and the CPU), I could start Windows. But it hang on login screen. I had to use an old keyboard with PS/2 connection (luckily I had one around), because the USB driver of new motherboard aren't installed. Then I could navigate and used the CD with the drivers, installed them and deinstalled some software and driver and thats it for me.

Hope this helps, in case you get similar problems.

Edit: Ah and I almost forgot. While in the installing progress before starting Windows, I did an UEFI upgrade within the BIOS menu. That failed and luckily I have a dual UEFI system, where I can recover the UEFI. Otherwise, I had to send it back. So, unless you can recover your UEFI or is needed for CPU support or other important area, I strongly discourage you to upgrade the BIOS/UEFI.
 
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