Use exsiting Harddrive with new hardware?? Possible?

[MXBlaster23]

My mom has a custom built computer for her business and it has getting to slow for her programs. I was thinking of installing a new motherboard, CPU and memory but was wondering if I could use the existing hard drive without formating it? I never built a computer before but installed alot of hardware and upgrade computers. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[apt403]

You can use the existing HDD, but you'll have to reinstall windows if you replace the mobo.

 

[celewign]

Well, took care of that. If you don't reinstall Windows you get a fascinating blue screen after ever Windows load, or before or something. It was a long time ago, but those scars will never heal from me.
-cm

 

[MrMr]

I did it more than once. From my Nforce 3 to Nforce 4 then to my present Intel 965P. It's doable. Uninstalled ALL drivers(Chipset\Video\lan\sound\cpu drivers\motherboard\sata(raid) and then did a "repair" after the new hardware was installed. Worked like a charm.

 

[KTev]

A new hard drive and clean install will be easier, quicker (performance and build), and more stable.

You can get a HDD cheap.

It also net you with an extra system to run linux on.

 

[Mugz]

You can transfer the HDD across without reinstalling windows - as mentioned, remove ALL hardware drivers, move HDD to new system, do a windows repair and install all drivers for new hardware.

Seriously, though. Back up any/all critical data, format the damn thing, install a fresh copy on the new hardware, and restore from backup. From a performance/maintenance/stability perspective, clean install will work best.

 

[evongugg]

If you are changing chipset, it recommended to reinstall Windows.

Though it may work even if you don't reinstall. Performance will probably not be as good as with a reinstall.
If you get a blue screen of death, you should attempt a Windows repair.

 

[MXBlaster23]

Alright Thanks guys for the advice!! I think she is just goin to buy a computer. Seems like it would be alot easier and cheaper or about the same money.

 

[celewign]

You're my hero.

<washes feet, kisses>
-cm

 

[MrMr]

Time to clean my red cape. 8)