how to properly upgrade CPU & Motherboard

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Barnz

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Jan 26, 2017
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Ok, so i'm going to be upgrading my system soon, after I get back from Barcelona (yay holiday) in a weeks time. The problem is, I don't really know what I'm doing when it comes to uninstalling the existing drivers so that they don't conflict with the new ones. I know that the correct way to do this is to re-install Windows, but how exactly do i do this without losing all my files and data on my HDD (which windows is installed on) and how do i reactivate windows?

All the videos and tutorials online only show how to upgrade the hardware (which I know how to do - I built my own PC), but nothing to do with the software side of it. Such as; do i reset windows before changing the hardware of after??

If someone could just walk me through how to do the reinstall and upgrade then that would be great :)

Old specs:
CPU: FX6300
MOBO: Gigabyte Ga 970a ud3p
GPU :rx 480

New specs:
CPU: Ryzen 5 1600x
MOBO: Azrock x370 gaming k4
GPU: rx 480

its AMD to AMD so that should make it easier
 
Solution
USAFRet


Mostly, yes.
The only part that fails is: "..and then add back my applications by transferring them from the external drive"
You can't transfer applications like that.
They will need to be reinstalled.

Steam games yes. Other applications, including the Steam client...no.


EDIT:
oops....you change the hardware, then you do the new OS install.
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Martell1977

Martell1977

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Oct 26, 2010
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The best way is to get a USB flash drive and copy all the files you don't want to lose. Another way, if you have a DVD burner, is to make DVD of your files.

If you have Windows 10, it should reactivate automatically once the computer can get online. For older versions, you will be prompted during the setup to enter the license code. (It asks for a license during the Windows 10 setup, but you can skip it)

Even though it's a AMD to MD switch, the chipsets are completely different and only way to ensure best performance and stability is with a fresh Windows install.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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B

Barnz

Commendable
Jan 26, 2017
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So I have my OS linked to my Microsoft account, so this is fine. What im really confused about is how to actually carry out the re-installation of windows. Can i simply run the "reset this Pc" - "keep my files" option, put in the new hardware then boot from the HDD, or do i need to carry out the reset after the new hardware is already installed?

 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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No. It may simply fail to boot at all.
It may require a whole wipe and reinstall.
Prepare for this.

Save ALL of your personal files, username/passwords, install files for your personal applications....off to another drive.

Your concept of "Reset and Keep all my stuff" has nothing to do with your new hardware.
 
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B

Barnz

Commendable
Jan 26, 2017
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Ah ok, ok sorry for being stupid. So I have to backup all my personal files to another drive, then do a clean install of Windows to wipe the drive and all the old drivers etc. then I can install the new hardare and reinstall / reactivate windows and then add back my applications by transferring them from the external drive.

 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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Mostly, yes.
The only part that fails is: "..and then add back my applications by transferring them from the external drive"
You can't transfer applications like that.
They will need to be reinstalled.

Steam games yes. Other applications, including the Steam client...no.


EDIT:
oops....you change the hardware, then you do the new OS install.
 
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Solution
neiler0847

neiler0847

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Mar 25, 2015
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You don't mention what your drive is, although you do mention HDD.

This is the ideal time to migrate to having your OS on an SSD. A 250GB SSD is cheap, and incredible for the performance of your system.

  • ■ Do your new build with the new SSD as the only drive.
    ■ Install Windows from scratch
    ■ If you have an OEM Windows licence, you may have to sweet talk Microsoft support into reactivating on the new motherboard and CPU. If you have a retail licence then no issues
    ■ Download all of the drivers specific to your new hardware
    ■ Once you have the system up and running, add back your HDD as the second drive. Delete everything except your data.
 
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Martell1977

Martell1977

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Oct 26, 2010
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You will need to install the new hardware BEFORE reinstalling Windows.

Step 1: get your Windows installation media, be it having a disc or making a disc or USB
Step 2: backup your files, passwords and make sure you have or can get installation media for all your programs/apps
Step 3: Install the new hardware
Step 4: Install Windows
Step 5: Confirm that Windows activated, then install all drivers for the new motherboard. Even if things are working with Windows, get the drivers from the motherboard manufacturers website as these are specific for the hardware and will run better than Windows generic drivers.
Step 6: Update Windows as much as possible
Step 7: Install programs and transfer your files back onto the PC.
 
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B

Barnz

Commendable
Jan 26, 2017
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Yes, yes I know this. But thanks for the help!
 
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