Last question before I buy

KAD101 · Sep 7, 2015

I have already asked a lot about this build, so this is it:
So i'm going to swap my old:
mobo: "ASRock H61M-DGS R2.0 LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX"
cpu: i3 2120
for a new:
mobo: MSI ATX DDR3 2400 LGA 1150
cpu: i5 4690

Can I simply back up important files (word documents, picture, etc.) onto a thumb drive, turn off my PC, uninstall my mobo and cpu and switch to my new mobo and cpu, then turn on my PC and install windows with all my files still there? Is that how it works? Thanks.

spooky2th · Sep 7, 2015

It rarely works when switching a HDD to another MB. Especially with 2 different manufacturers.

You can try a sysprep. To do this, go to C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\sysprep.exe, check 'generalize', select 'OOBE' on drop down menu, and 'Shut down'.

When your new PC boots off of your old HDD, you'll get the 'out of box experience' screen, asking you to create new user account. Just call it anything and after that's done, you can log off and switch to your main user account.

Once you're logged in with your main account, you can safely proceed with deleting the newly made account in Control Panel > User Accounts applet.

What sysprep does, it basically gets rid of all platform specific data such as drivers and configuration files.

To be safe, save all your documents and stuff that you do not want to lose, first.

Martell1977 · Sep 7, 2015

Backup all your files as mentioned, swap out the parts and boot from your Windows media. Do a fresh install, this will wipe everything off the drive, but your files should be safe on the thumb drive. Don't forget to install the motherboard drivers and do all the Windows updates.

KAD101 · Sep 7, 2015

Martell1977 :

Do I need to backup more than just my personal files (word documents, pictures, etc.)? Like any important programs?

It rarely works when switching a HDD to another MB. Especially with 2 different manufacturers.

You can try a sysprep. To do this, go to C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\sysprep.exe, check 'generalize', select 'OOBE' on drop down menu, and 'Shut down'.

When your new PC boots off of your old HDD, you'll get the 'out of box experience' screen, asking you to create new user account. Just call it anything and after that's done, you can log off and switch to your main user account.

Once you're logged in with your main account, you can safely proceed with deleting the newly made account in Control Panel > User Accounts applet.

What sysprep does, it basically gets rid of all platform specific data such as drivers and configuration files.

To be safe, save all your documents and stuff that you do not want to lose, first.

I really don't know what you mean...

turbopixel · Sep 7, 2015

spooky2th :

That was in old days. The newer Windows, even Windows 7 is more forgiving about that. Just use same settings for HD and deinstall drivers for motherboard and install the new drivers afterwards. I went from broken "Gigabyte H87-D3H" to a "ASRock Z97 Extreme6" on Windows 7 after one year of using it and it worked like a charm.

Similiar question: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2791664/motherboard-replacement-windows-install.html

To the thread opener
You can backup your files and copy them back. Thats the way. You probably don't need to install Windows again, but in case you have to, you can just copy your files later. Offcourse you have to install the drivers and applications too. They can't be backup and restored (at least, not recommended). I did this long ago with Windows XP too.

KAD101 · Sep 7, 2015

turbopixel :

spooky2th :

That was in old days. The newer Windows, even Windows 7 is more forgiving about that. Just use same settings for HD and deinstall drivers for motherboard and install the new drivers afterwards. I went from broken "Gigabyte H87-D3H" to a "ASRock Z97 Extreme6" on Windows 7 after one year of using it and it worked like a charm.

Similiar question: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2791664/motherboard-replacement-windows-install.html

To the thread opener
You can backup your files and copy them back. Thats the way. You probably don't need to install Windows again, but in case you have to, you can just copy your files later. Offcourse you have to install the drivers and applications too. They can't be backup and restored (at least, not recommended). I did this long ago with Windows XP too.

1) Where can I find and deinstall my drivers (will i do this before or after placing in my new mobo)?
2)What do you mean by "backup your files and copy them back"

Martell1977 · Sep 7, 2015

KAD101 :

Not programs as they can't really be backed up. You will need to reinstall them so it's a good idea to make sure you have your license keys, passwords and install media before wiping Windows.

I've never swapped out a MB without having to reinstall Windows, usually end up getting a blue screen and have to reinstall.

Just be sure to save all you files and you can backup your web browser favorites as well. Once the install is done you can copy all your files back onto the computer.

KAD101 · Sep 7, 2015

Martell1977 :

KAD101 :

Not programs as they can't really be backed up. You will need to reinstall them so it's a good idea to make sure you have your license keys, passwords and install media before wiping Windows.

I've never swapped out a MB without having to reinstall Windows, usually end up getting a blue screen and have to reinstall.

Just be sure to save all you files and you can backup your web browser favorites as well.

Thanks. I'll come back here if stuff gets out of hand!

spooky2th · Sep 7, 2015

turbopixel :

spooky2th :

That was in old days. The newer Windows, even Windows 7 is more forgiving about that. Just use same settings for HD and deinstall drivers for motherboard and install the new drivers afterwards. I went from broken "Gigabyte H87-D3H" to a "ASRock Z97 Extreme6" on Windows 7 after one year of using it and it worked like a charm.

Similiar question: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2791664/motherboard-replacement-windows-install.html

To the thread opener
You can backup your files and copy them back. Thats the way. You probably don't need to install Windows again, but in case you have to, you can just copy your files later. Offcourse you have to install the drivers and applications too. They can't be backup and restored (at least, not recommended). I did this long ago with Windows XP too.

I think you were one of the lucky ones. I've tried many times and had at least some annoying quirks in the OS.

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