Should I reinstall Windows after a CPU/Motherboard change?

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Ropuchy

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Jun 7, 2017
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Hello.
Should I reinstall Windows after I change my CPU/Motherboard?

If so, how should I go about doing this?
 
Solution
USAFRet


You should absolutely be prepared to do a full reinstall of the OS and everything else.
There is a small chance it is not needed. But if it IS needed, you'll be much happier if you are prepared for the eventuality.

What OS is this?
If Win 10, read and do this before changing any hardware:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

If previous to Win 10, you may even need a whole new OS license.
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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You should absolutely be prepared to do a full reinstall of the OS and everything else.
There is a small chance it is not needed. But if it IS needed, you'll be much happier if you are prepared for the eventuality.

What OS is this?
If Win 10, read and do this before changing any hardware:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

If previous to Win 10, you may even need a whole new OS license.
 
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Solution
R

Ropuchy

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Jun 7, 2017
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Ah ok.
I am running Windows 10, and have it linked to my MS account.

So should I put the installation media on a flash drive, then use that to install Windows if I need to?
And if I don't have to do that, and Windows still starts properly, should I go through the Clean Install/Reinstall Windows stuff that's in the settings?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Part of your prep should be a properly constructed WIn 10 install USB. Here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Also, any drivers, application installs, username/passwords...you need to have or know all those.
With a clean install, everything is gone. You are starting from a clean slate.
 
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R

Ropuchy

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Jun 7, 2017
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Alright.

Aye, I've actually done this once this month already.
Thanks for the clarification.

So I should just reinstall Windows completely, just to be safe?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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I would just try it with the new hardware, just to see if it works.
But I would be totally prepared for a full reinstall if it goes south.
 
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R

Ropuchy

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Jun 7, 2017
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Ok. It'll still be an AMD system, so hopefully that will help for compatibility.

Aye, I'll make some installation media or whatnot once I get the chance.

Thanks for the help!
 
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