My Windows 7 computer has been getting repeated BSODs, though the hard drives and memory check out ok. If I replace the current CPU with an Intel 6th gen CPU and appropriate motherboard, will I be able to boot up using the original C: drive, or will I need to do a clean (re)install of Windows 7 (and everything else)?
Is a clean install of Windows 7 required after a CPU replacement?
- Thread starter coffent
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- Mar 16, 2013
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For a new motherboard? That is a 100% maybe.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. Sometimes it does, but with lingering issues you find later.
And for WIn 7, this may involve buying a whole new OS licvense.
Some details about the systems, old and new, might help here.
Franklin_4
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you should be able to swap CPUs without it affecting the other stuff as long its the same socket type. what kinda cpu ru using currently?
Franklin_4
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sorry i didnt read OP close enough, if you swap mobos theres a drastically reduced chance of it workin out for you, good luck!
- Aug 24, 2012
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Unless the new motherboard is an exact (or extremely close) match to the old one (like same chipset), changing the motherboard almost always requires a clean install. Processor only would need a fix install to properly detect and setup the new CPU.
And, keep in mind that Windows 7 is NOT supported on the newest platforms. You will not be able to locate drivers or access such things as Windows Update (that's assuming that you are actually successful at installing Win 7 on that platform in the first place)
And, keep in mind that Windows 7 is NOT supported on the newest platforms. You will not be able to locate drivers or access such things as Windows Update (that's assuming that you are actually successful at installing Win 7 on that platform in the first place)
photonboy
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- Jun 20, 2006
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Don't forget you may need DDR4 memory if you currently have DDR3 memory.
Also, it doesn't sound like you have confirmed the MOTHERBOARD is the problem. You may want to try the following:
1) remove video card, and use iGPU (attach monitor to motherboard), and
2) reinstall Windows (ideally to a SPARE HDD/SSD just to test things out but not lose your current data), and
3) swap Power Supply (after first two tried)
I doubt it's the CPU, and yes it may be the motherboard but I don't think you've proved that yet.
Also, it doesn't sound like you have confirmed the MOTHERBOARD is the problem. You may want to try the following:
1) remove video card, and use iGPU (attach monitor to motherboard), and
2) reinstall Windows (ideally to a SPARE HDD/SSD just to test things out but not lose your current data), and
3) swap Power Supply (after first two tried)
I doubt it's the CPU, and yes it may be the motherboard but I don't think you've proved that yet.
Thanks for the replies. The CPU is a very old Intel Core i7 920 D0 SLBEJ and the motherboard is an equally old Jetway/Kuroshio JBI-600-LF. I'm thinking of replacing them with a "Intel Boxed Core I5-6600 FC-LGA14C 3.30 Ghz 6 M Processor Cache 4 LGA 1151 BX80662I56600" (6th gen) CPU and a Gigabyte "GA-Z270XP-SLI LGA1151 Intel 2-Way ATX DDR4" motherboard, though I'm happy to go with whatever works.
Wow! Thanks, everyone. It looks like I'll need to do a clean reinstall with the new components. I tried restoring the boot drive using an image backup I'd made several days before the BSODs started happening, but that didn't help, so I don't *think* it's a problem with the software. It could be the video card - I'll try checking that out, and likewise the power supply.
Franklin_4
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really? i thought win7 OEM holders could upgrade to win10 for free still?
also, @op, im kinda excited for you to upgrade from that old CPU. have fun, get a SSD asap!!
- Mar 16, 2013
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Changing to Win 10 was never mentioned.
That is a possibility, if he wishes to go that way.
In which case...
Upgrade the current semi-working system to Win 10.
Assuming that works, link that Win 10 to an MS account.
Here: 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
Then do the parts swap
This will still require a clean install on the new hardware.
After, go through the Activation troubleshooter to (probably) get it activated on the new hardware.
Update on the problem: in line with photonboy's suggestion, I decided to buy a new video card as the easiest, cheapest component to replace. It almost worked, as instead of getting BSOD's about every hour, I went four days with "only" two BSOD's. I removed and reseated the memory cards, and for the past 8 days have had no problems. So was the problem caused by the video card, the memory cards, or was it just one of these weird things that comes and goes of its own accord? Don't know, but at any rate I think (hope!) I'm back in business. Thanks again to everyone for their suggestions!
photonboy
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Hard to say now, but I could posit some ideas:
1) your BSOD's still remained, but went away after reseating your memory cards. So may have simply been the memory bards
2) having said that, odd how the frequency of BSOD's changed... more than one issue?
3) If the PSU was problematic then if the graphics card had reduced power draw that may have resolved an issue that was power related.
When you do more than ONE thing at a time it's hard to say anything for certain, but I suppose as long as it works you're happy.
My sister has my old i7-860 rig (pretty much identical CPU) and 4GB of DDR(2?) memory, and with an SSD her system is more than adequate for word-processing, browsing etc.
So glad it's working.
1) your BSOD's still remained, but went away after reseating your memory cards. So may have simply been the memory bards
2) having said that, odd how the frequency of BSOD's changed... more than one issue?
3) If the PSU was problematic then if the graphics card had reduced power draw that may have resolved an issue that was power related.
When you do more than ONE thing at a time it's hard to say anything for certain, but I suppose as long as it works you're happy.
My sister has my old i7-860 rig (pretty much identical CPU) and 4GB of DDR(2?) memory, and with an SSD her system is more than adequate for word-processing, browsing etc.
So glad it's working.
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