Upgrading mobo without losing HDD personal data?

[gman94]

Hello,
I would like to know if it is possible when I upgrade my new motherboard (first time) to not have to wipe the hard drive because of windows. I've heard a few things that I have yet to be confirmed possible:

-System repair?
-Creating a new partition and placing your files inside of their?
-Installing the new motherboards drivers before installing the new mobo itself?

Would any of these be plausible?

Thanks

 

[nna2]

it might work if you have the same chipset, other than that, your gonna have to work around and it will be a major headache

 

[unksol]

unless its an exact replacement or same chipset back up your data. wipe the drive. reinstall windows.

Also note that if its a prebuilt system or oem even if you did it without reinstalling your windows license may refuse to activate online as it is tied to the motherboard

 

[gman94]

I'd be going from 780 to 880 chipset

 

[nna2]

your gonna have to re install, just backup the files you want to keep, and the 880G chipset, why not go for the 970 or 990FX instead

 

[gman94]

your gonna have to re install, just backup the files you want to keep, and the 880G chipset, why not go for the 970 or 990FX instead

I have a micro-ATX and the highest chip set they have is an 880 at the moment. I would love to use standard ATX and get the features and my computer "should" take it but the model was made with m-ATX even though the case is a full tower. I am using an LX-6200, but it is all upgraded.

For now I will settle with a budget mobo that will be sufficient until I just buy a new case that takes ATX (I could use a new one anyways)

 

[nna2]

ahh kk, makes sense