I am thinking about replacing my motherboard on my computer. I don't especially want to go through the process of backing up all the files I want to keep and then re-installing the OS and acquiring all of my programs yet again.
Is it always necessary to have a formatted HD and clean OS install when you replace your motherboard? Most likely replacing the processor as well.
2007-02-21 06:37:46 · 9 answers · asked by Vejita00 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
The answer is mostly no; you should not to reformat your HD when you install a new mother board. However, it is possible that the installation does not go as smoothly as planned. When Windows starts, it expects certain hardware to be there. It should be able to detect and adjust to the new hardware without problems, however it is possible that it might not be able to adjust. In such a case you might be able to boot from the Windows CD and do a "Repair Windows" on it, which would hopefully straighten things out. Sorry it's so complicated, but your success could swing in either direction.
2007-02-21 06:48:52 · answer #1 · answered by youcanhideit 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is ideal to have a clean hard drive and a fresh OS install. This just makes sure there are no preexisting issues with the software that is installed.
But, you could simply replace the motherboard and run a repair on the operating system.
You put the OS disk in the drive and start out like you are doing a fresh install, but when you get to the point where it detects the previous operating system and asks you if you would like to attempt to repair that install, go ahead and repair.
This will basically clear out all the old drivers and install ones that are compatible with your new motherboard.
If you do not do this, the system will load the drivers for all the old devices from the old motherboard and also attempt to install new drivers for the new motherboard. Once that happens you will have duplicate drivers installed for a bunch of devices which can cause resource conflicts and many other issues that you will surely want to avoid.
2007-02-21 14:46:37 · answer #2 · answered by Bjorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not required or necessary to do so.
From my understanding, you want to replace the mobo/cpu and then start up your computer and use it like nothing has happened.
This works sometimes and it doesn't other times. It all depends on which OS you have and if you switch to a motherboard with the same chipset. If you have the same chipset, chances are that your computer will boot up without any problems. You will have to install the chipset drivers, but after that it should work fine.
However, if you are using Windows XP, you may have to re-activate. XP is designed to 'monitor' your computer's components. If it changes too much, it will force you to re-activate. Most likely, it will reject your activation. If you call Microsoft, they will most likely give you a confirmation code to enter. You just need to explain your situation and most of the time they let you activate it again.
If, however, your motherboards chipset is different, there's a good chance that it will not boot up and you will have to reinstall. You can try using the recovery method option but from my experience, that does me no good because it wipes out your windows partition and it disables some of my software. It's a pain to fix it from there on.
2007-02-21 14:45:31 · answer #3 · answered by interlude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not "necessary" to have a clean and formatted HDD if you have installed a new motherboard, but its definately recommended if you do, just back up your most important files onto cds/dvds, and then format your hard drive, that way, you'll probably have less system trouble, you don't have to worry about your os drivers for the old motherboard and all that stuff, so I definately recommend having a clean hard drive.
2007-02-21 14:44:42 · answer #4 · answered by willnguyen01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but it sure makes life easier. You can do a "repair install"to make Windows XP work with the new board without blue screening.
Boot from the XP CD.
1st screen press ENTER
2nd screen agree (F8)
**** 3rd screen press R **** This starts the repair installation. It keeps the registry, all programs, data etc in place.
You will need to use the product key and re-activate XP. You will also need to install the drivers for the new motherboard, obviously. Once done, it should all be okay.
Note: Sometimes, in rare and weird cases, this does not work. If it still fails to work, then you will need to fully reinstall.
2007-02-21 14:43:22 · answer #5 · answered by Erick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Windows XP keeps track of your hardware as an anti-piracy "feature". When I toasted my motherboard and replaced it with a faster one the OS complained. I reinstalled to OS and , in my case, did not lose the data. But always backup.
2007-02-21 14:44:00 · answer #6 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really, just make sure that you have the driver software for the hard drive, and yes replace the processor as well, and make sure All Attachable hardware is compatible with the MB. Good Luck
If you don't have the drivers for the hard drive and need them, go here and search, it's free.
2007-02-21 14:42:39 · answer #7 · answered by Devil Dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, HD wont affected when you replacing any hardware on your PC, As long as your HD type is supported by new motherboard, you still can use it wuth the new motherboard and processor.
2007-02-21 14:43:05 · answer #8 · answered by maxiangelo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, just hook the harddrive up, and when you boot, windows will detect it. Windows will also load the needed drivers, for the motherboard.
2007-02-21 14:43:35 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋