If I get a new motherboard do I have to reinstall all my programs?

Question

Once I replace the motherboard, will all my programs need to be reinstalled?

Also, if I only install a new processor, will I have to resinstall windows and all my programs also?

Answer 1

You would be taking a CHANCE. It is more than likely that you would have to reinstall Windows from SCRATCH. If you just swapped processors, you would be fine. You see, many motherboards have different devices with different drivers. Swapping motherboards would be a major change.

Naturally, I would TRY it first, but I would have a total backup and all of my program disks. You see, reinstalling OVER an existing installation might work OK for you.

Good luck and Happy Computing.

Answer 2

It depends on the motherboard. Some motherboards can be finicky. For example, last year I installed a Epox motherboard, and it would not boot. Nothing I tried worked until I reformatted the hard drive. (new cpu as well). Most cases, you should be able to reboot without a hassle, as the OS will detect newer components, and at least get you to a point where you can load any drivers necessary. A new cpu only may require different settings in the bios, but that is also something that SHOULD be detected automatically.

IF your data is critical, I would suggest backing it up, or if you have the funds, aquire another hard drive to do a clean install with the OS so you have something to boot with in case the OS on the old drive is too cluttered with crap to respond positively. Once you are able to boot, you can then try to load new motherboard drivers on the old drive if you want to boot from the old drive. Having another disk is always a fantastic idea, regardless of the upgrade or situation.

Answer 3

If you are replacing a bad motherboard with the same motherboard, then no. If the replacement motherboard uses a different chipset, then yes you will have to reload. Unless you get very lucky and Windows will run up without giving you the Blue Screen of Death.
If you only upgrade the CPU then, no.

Answer 4

Using XP (and probably 2000) will be okay. It is almost certain that everything will adjust correctly.

Using ME, 98 or 95 and you will probably run into trouble - they really don't like the motherboard swapped out. It's not insurmountable but it is a pain.

Either way if you do run into trouble, uninstall every driver that you can and reinstall them when you have the new board in.

Answer 5

The programming is stored on the hard drive, so probably not, but you might have to let the program recognize new "hardware", i.e., the motherboard. I'm no expert here, so check with someone else who is.

Answer 6

all depends on what motherboard you get, and if your using the same hard drive you've got now you might be ok, im not up to speed with PC's, but my m8 replaced my motherboard and i kept my harddrive, he just pulged it in and booted it up and i'd not lost a single program, just had to download some updates for the extra things on the motherboard.. hope this helps and good luck, and big thanx to my m8 GAZ.

Answer 7

you may have to reinstall windows and call microsoft tech support as the new MB will make it look like a new computer and when you try to update stuff from windows site.it may say you have a pirated copy. just tell them you had to replace your MOBO and they should give you the key. other than that should be fine

Answer 8

No, all the programs are saved to the Hard Drive. A new motherboard will not affect the saved items.

Answer 9

If you use the same hard drive then no you shouldn't have to reinstall your programs.

Answer 10

No, everything will remain the same.