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Installing New Motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7

ahcobrasahcobras Registered User regular
edited May 2011 in Help / Advice Forum
The title pretty much says it all. I'm installing a new motherboard in my Windows 7 machine, and I want to do so without having to reinstall the OS on my hard drive. Is this possible? I don't want to have to put all my documents and files on a flash drive and reinstall all my programs. Or am I going to be forced to?

ahcobras on

Posts

  • The Crowing OneThe Crowing One Registered User regular
    edited May 2011
    Someone needs to confirm, but if I remember correctly there's no reason your OS will require a reinstall if all you're replacing is the mobo. Hook it up and turn it on.

    The Crowing One on
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  • EarthenrockEarthenrock Registered User regular
    edited May 2011
    I've swapped my motherboard out before. The only thing you should have to do is install the drivers for it.

    Earthenrock on
  • SpudgeSpudge Witty comments go next to this blue dot thingyRegistered User regular
    edited May 2011
    Only reason you may have to reinstall is if you completely change the architecture (different processor manufacturer/model line, different mobo architecture, etc). If you're just replacing your old mobo with a comparable model you SHOULD be fine

    Spudge on
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  • corky842corky842 Registered User regular
    edited May 2011
    If it's not OEM, you can switch whatever just fine. You'll just have to reactivate it.

    corky842 on
  • CasualCasual Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Flap Flap Flap Registered User regular
    edited May 2011
    I recently took the hard drive with the OS on it from my old computer and put it in an entirely new one and continued using that OS with no problems. So I can't see why it wouldn't work.

    Casual on
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