I am upgrading the motherboard CPU and memory. Will be using the exsiting hard drive. I realize drivers will need to be changed but will I need to re-install the operating system. If so is there anyway to not lose the other information on the drive?
2006-12-20 01:38:35 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Should be just fine.
It should recognize the change on boot up and either automatically load the necessary drivers or ask for a cd/dvd for updates.
2006-12-20 01:41:27 · answer #1 · answered by timc_fla 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can, HOWEVER, if you have an Operating System on there it won't work ! ie: Microsoft Windows.
As when you install Windows it sets up all the drivers specific to that PC and the Hardware that it contains. So putting the disk into a new computer will just confuse Windows, and it will continue to error or complain about the Hardware (as it will think that it is still in the old computer)!
Therefore best bet is to reinstall Windows.
If it is being used as a 2nd Hard Drive, not a problem at all - as the first Drive will have the Windows install, i presume.
Another thing you could try....
After installing the Hard Disk in the new computer, run the Windows Setup CD (must be the same CD as you used previously, for the same version of Windows).
Then when it comes up to the Setup,, it will detect an existing install of Windows already on there. All you need to select is "Update / Reinstall". Windows will pdate the existing drivers, adding any new ones, once it's detected your new Hardware in this new computer.
Hope this helps.
2006-12-20 01:42:26 · answer #2 · answered by GuessWho 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this can be done, but you will need to go through the Device Manager adn remove all the hardware from the Motherboard.
When the system boots, it will find the new hardware and install the drivers necessary. (Your new MB should come with a disk of drivers, so have this handy in case Windows cannot find the drivers for any particular device.)
If everything work, then you're fine. Ifnot, run the full install from the Drivers CD which will replace any and all drivers you may need.
2006-12-20 01:47:27 · answer #3 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The safest way I found to set up a new computer is to purchase a new hard drive (usually only $20-$50 after rebates) and load the operating system from scratch. Then I'm able to use the old hard drive as a slave, and all my old files and programs are available and untouched. In a worst-case scenario, you would still have your old hard drive to boot your old motherboard. Good luck!
2006-12-20 01:43:01 · answer #4 · answered by pilgrimchd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely no. If the new hardware were identical then it wouldn't be an issue, but unless you retool the OS somewhat (by removing and reinstalling devices for example) it most likely will not work.
To do this without having to reinstall your apps or copy your data, I'd suggest you first make a complete backup of your existing system. Then, perform a "repair install" as described here:
2006-12-20 01:41:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, a motherboard is a hardware issue. I have two computers with different motherboards, I swap and change the hard drives regular. OPerating system is software, the computer will update hardware specs on bootup and it will be fine after that.
2006-12-20 01:44:39 · answer #6 · answered by T C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just perform a Repair Install on Windows, not a clean install. Windows does not like having a motherboard changed and will almost certainly blue screen on boot.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
2006-12-20 01:41:45 · answer #7 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, the only problem that might show is some of the onboard equipment (ie: sound card and video card) may need new drivers, just go into your hardware profile and remove the old stuff and add the new drivers so that everything funcions properly
2006-12-20 01:40:53 · answer #8 · answered by dcoynej 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can give you a link that deals with hard drive problems.
Some drive problems can be easily fixed by yourself using easily available tools. I found the info at http://fixit.in useful. Try this site, if you can get what is required
2006-12-22 13:01:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋