Need help with how to install a new mobo

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Mechadream

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Jan 19, 2013
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Upgrading from an Alienware x51 R2 I've had for 5 years now, it's been a pain, but I've finally got every piece of hardware I needed, with a couple of pieces I will salvage from my current rig, including the cpu and hdd. (I am still yet to build it as few more pieces are still out for delivery).
However, one of those pieces is a new Motherboard and I am unsure of how to properly format/wipe my current hdd to accommodate the new motherboard.

Do I build the new PC and THEN format and reinstall windows 10? Do I completely wipe the drive and then build the PC and install windows 10 after somehow? Can someone help in what order I should do all this please?

EDIT: Forgot to mention I bought a new SSD to install windows on. So would it the order be something like... Download Windows 10 installer on a USB > Wipe HDD completely > Build PC > Turn on and boot from USB > Install Windows on the SSD? I Just want to make sure the PC will be able to install windows without any drivers, fresh motherboard and blank HDD/SSD.
 
Solution
Multipack


Did you buy Windows 7/8/10 or was it pre-installed? OEM is the manufacturers copy and is only valid on one machine. You may be able to...
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Multipack

Multipack

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Sep 5, 2016
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Yes build it all first. Ideally attach a blank drive but if you can't just make sure you boot without the hdd attached first to set the right mode in your BIOS (ideally you want it in AHCI secure boot mode) and the boot order then start your system with a bootable Windows installation media attached, format the hard drive and reinstall.

Thats assuming you have a valid product key. If you have an OEM Windows you may need to buy another key.
 
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Mechadream

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Jan 19, 2013
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I made an edit between posting and reading your post, sorry about that. Also, I'm not sure what OEM windows is and how to see if I have it
 
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Multipack

Multipack

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Sep 5, 2016
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Did you buy Windows 7/8/10 or was it pre-installed? OEM is the manufacturers copy and is only valid on one machine. You may be able to validate by phone using the hardware upgrade option provided you only use it on one machine.

If you have an SSD for OS, then just install onto that then format your HDD from within Windows.

Download Windows 10 installer on a USB > Build PC > Turn on with blank SSD but without USB or HDD and set BIOS settings, boot order etc> Turn on and boot from USB > Install Windows on the SSD> Wipe HDD completely
 
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Mechadream

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Jan 19, 2013
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Ok cool, i'll bookmark this and give it a shot when all my parts have arrived. Thanks a ton for the quick replies :)
 
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