When changing a motherboard do I have to reformat my hard drive to install new motherboard drivers. Or is there a way to that new driver will delete existing and replace with new. I usally do reformat my hard drive eveytime I upgrade motherboard ,but I was wondering if it is really necessary?
2007-03-13 05:28:40 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
You should not have to reformat your hard drive.
I have never reformatted a hard drive when upgrading motherboards.
When you start windows with the new motherboard installed, it will automatically discover that new drivers are needed..."New hardware found" etc. At that point you insert the disc that came with the motherboard (or, if the motherboard instructions say otherwise you may have to start various install programmes from the disc included with the motherboard).
It usually helps to read the little book that comes with a new motherboard because they don't all install drivers the same way.
Needless to say, I have never come across a motherboard that required reformatting of the hard drive.
2007-03-13 05:43:49 · answer #1 · answered by Wyoming Rider 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one of the reasons why one should reformat their hard drives
when they by a new motherboard is because even if the previous motherboard's drivers are a kilobyte in size IT IS still a disk space and would be best suited for future storage.. the next reason is to avoid possible hardware conflicts and the like..
2007-03-13 12:44:29 · answer #2 · answered by xKaiSeRx 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be able to change the system board without formatting the hard drive. You will need to have the drivers for the new board handy. It is also possible, if too many hardware items change on your PC, that you may have to have Microsoft reactivate Windows for you.
But it is worth a try. If it does not work, then format. You have nothing to lose by trying it.
2007-03-13 12:39:00 · answer #3 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may not have to format, but if you are running XP you will probably have to re verify it. It happened to me and could not even get past the log on screen to do it, which made it impossible to get on line to do so. I had to call to get it unlocked, only took about 10 min. Next time I just reformatted to save the head ache. Besides why chance the driver conflict possibilities
2007-03-13 13:07:46 · answer #4 · answered by Jester 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you don't have to reformat the hard drive but you may have to do a repair, only sometimes though if the chipsets are totally different(i.e. going from VIA to nForce). Make sure you have your drivers though and you may have to call MS to reactivate your windows.
2007-03-13 12:33:28 · answer #5 · answered by Rapid Repairs 4 Computers 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you normally do it and it works, why change it....
2007-03-13 12:32:05 · answer #6 · answered by hizzaah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋