Motherboard replacement without windows 8.1 re-install

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dogbandit2

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Feb 23, 2015
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Hi all,
Due to the fact that my factory installed motherboard is now damaged but still working I have decided to upgrade my pre-installed jasmineR motherboard with a Asus ROG cross blade ranger. I have seen in several forums that you can do it without re-installation but will have to re-activate windows 8.1. I have even had advice from some good tech people face to face who also said that it would work fine with only re-activation. However on the Microsoft technet forum I have just been told that I would have to re-install. I need a way to not lose any of my data, programs, settings, etc. so would prefer to not re-install. The time that it would take to put everything back on to my computer would make it not worth the hassle. I need to know so any help would be appreciated.
 
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I never used any sort of service or call. And with OEM versions, I am not sure if this will work. Maybe call Microsoft before upgrading and ask. For removing old drivers, you can use all applications and drivers for your motherboard and then check Device manager and deinstall them on this place too. I forgot doing this and my new motherboard works as expected. You should remove any motherboard related driver. I am not sure if this is essential, but if I change my motherboard again (I don't think so), then I would do it next time, if I don't forget again.

I am a Linux user and not very experienced with Windows (anymore). Can't say much about. My Windows 7 will be loaded only specific gaming, which aren't available for Linux. So, can't...
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turbopixel

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May 18, 2015
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My motherboard got faulty and I did replace it under Windows 7 (and Ubuntu 14.04). And I bet, Windows 8 is not worse in that point. You should deinstall motherboard drivers while in F8 mode (forgot how it was called) before changing it. After the install of new motherboard, install all drivers for it. Maybe reactivate your Windows. I went from broken "Gigabyte H87-D3H" to a "ASRock Z97 Extreme6" and it worked like a charm.

But most importantly, do a backup of your data before upgrading. If anything goes wrong, you should be able to access to your files. This is most important rule (which I did not follow ;-), but its recommended).
 
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dogbandit2

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Feb 23, 2015
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Thanks turbopixel this is quite helpful to know could you please elaborate on the F8 mode you spoke about and would it be possible to just use device manager for the driver uninstall? One thing I forgot to mention my windows 8.1 is OEM. My original hardware configuration was a pre-built PC running 8.1 out of the box. Does that make any difference to your solution?
 
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turbopixel

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May 18, 2015
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With OEM versions, I don't know. It could be that Windows 8.1 OEM is bound to your motherboard and pre-built configuration. If you want reinstall a fresh install, then you need a new regular installation cd and license. This thing makes a difference, I would say and there is a chance it fails. You have no installation media, do you have? Most probably you only have a pre configured restore media, without installation.

The F8 mode is the safe mode. I never needed on Windows 7. I just used it on Windows XP in old days a lot. Here is information for Windows 8.
> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/enable-the-f8-key-in-windows-8/

If you are unsure about that, don't use it.
 
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dogbandit2

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Feb 23, 2015
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Supposedly you can call Microsoft once you put the new board in. It's apparently an automated service and the number is given to you by windows to activate after the motherboard change do you have any experience of this service? Also can I remove the old drivers using Device manager? What drivers will need removing?
 
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turbopixel

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May 18, 2015
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5,960
I never used any sort of service or call. And with OEM versions, I am not sure if this will work. Maybe call Microsoft before upgrading and ask. For removing old drivers, you can use all applications and drivers for your motherboard and then check Device manager and deinstall them on this place too. I forgot doing this and my new motherboard works as expected. You should remove any motherboard related driver. I am not sure if this is essential, but if I change my motherboard again (I don't think so), then I would do it next time, if I don't forget again.

I am a Linux user and not very experienced with Windows (anymore). Can't say much about. My Windows 7 will be loaded only specific gaming, which aren't available for Linux. So, can't say much details. Maybe someone else can guide you.
 
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