I am changing out my motherboard, but will keep my hardrives and everything. Will everything just boot up into my original windows XP? or is it erased? my computer is an e-machines and only has the recovery CD and not full version of windows. Will i have to have a new OS.
2007-03-09 13:08:13 · 9 answers · asked by Rob H 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
Shouldn't have to replace Windows. When you boot up after changing the motherboard, you will need the drivers for the new board and the updated BIOS. Widows will find new hardware and load compatible drivers it has and ask for the ones it doesn't.
Note: this can take several reboots and then you may have to reload some previous drivers. When you get through that, run Windows update to make sure you are up to date there too.
Good luck. It is time consuming, but you should be alright.
2007-03-09 13:27:04 · answer #1 · answered by Charlie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The OS will still be there but whether or not it is usable is a crap shoot. You will have to install the drivers that come with the motherboard, that much is for sure and is the least you will have to do. Microsoft considers a new computer to be the motherboard and in most cases will not let the current installation of XP to boot or give you access to your account. You will probably have to obtain a new license key though in most cases they will give you one.
You can also try reinstalling using the recovery CDs which do contain the full version of Windows but whether or not it will validate on the new hardware is about a 50/50 shot, if not, you are back at asking Microsoft for a new key. It's probably EASIER to get a new copy of Windows but Microsoft will MOST LIKELY give you a new license key at no charge. There are exceptions... but again, it depends.
2007-03-09 13:18:19 · answer #2 · answered by conradj213 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First check to make sure all the components (cpu, memory) fit and work with the new mother board. Make sure the motherboard type fits the case.
No, the recovery cd will not work with the new motherboard because all the drivers built in the recovery cd is for the old motherboard. You need a origial CD of XP. You probably have XP license (in the back of your computer); you might borrow the xp cd from your friend. Good luck.
2007-03-09 13:20:24 · answer #3 · answered by Henry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can now use the same copy of Windows XP that you used on the old computer. (If it got erased for some reason) As long as that copy is not being used on two computers you are fine!
2007-03-09 13:16:55 · answer #4 · answered by ♥ Mary ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the undertaking your maximum in all probability to initially hit is the bsod simply by chipset drivers being incorrect, you may set up them employing a boot disk(google it). Or something ive by no potential tried is positioned the hot chipset drivers interior the inf driving force records earlier you flow the mobo. Win7 could boot ok wherein case purely set up the hot drivers from the mobo's cd. As for activation purely call microsoft, determine you're online and that they'll do it on an identical time as your chatting with them
2016-10-18 00:08:13 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good one,
Branding bites.
I would think if you beg and plead your case, a license could be transferred to the 'new' machine. I never bought a windowsxp disk. I did try the e-Machines on XP Recovery CD on a Dell Dimension, it did not work.
2007-03-09 13:21:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You will have to do the repair with the xp cd then have to call M$ to reactivate
2007-03-09 13:17:41 · answer #7 · answered by Alpha~Omega pc repair 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be able to boot up and use the XP and all other programs on your Hard Drive(s) You aren't touching those areas by replacing a mother board.
Nothing to worry about.
2007-03-09 13:15:30 · answer #8 · answered by Lisa R. 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you will need a new copy of windows xp, unless its the same motherboard
2007-03-09 13:15:59 · answer #9 · answered by D@ve 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋