Replacing motherboard, can I repair install Win7?

DeaconFrost · 15 Feb 2011

I would pull the drive and connect it to another computer or an external USB connection to back up your data. I have a Vantec BlacX Dock for this. Once your data is safe, replace whatever parts you want, and your Windows 7 license can be transferred to it. Considering it was an OEM system, I'd go for a new case as well. You can reuse a lot of the HP's parts, but finding a replacement board that fits will be either tough or costly. That's one of the many reasons that most of us build our own towers.

tholley · 15 Feb 2011

Getting a new case might not be a bad idea, but no need to spend the extra dollars if I can find a MB that fits. I'm pretty sure this one fits the bill. Same dimensions (9.6 x 9.6), same socket (AM2). Here are links to both if anyone cares to compare. The main other thing I may pick this one, is it has to have 4 memory card slots.

HP Pavilion Media Center a1630n Desktop PC Product Specifications HP Pavilion Media Center a1630n Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

CompUSA.com | M4A785-M | ASUS M4A785-M Motherboard

Also... I'm a little confused about the chipset deal. The HP specs only says Chipset = GeForce 6150 LE, which I was thinking is the video card, but the new Asus shows a northbridge chipset (AMD® 785G and SB710 Chipset), video chipset (ATI Radeon HD 4200). So just what chipset do I need to be wary of? The links above show all the specs.

tholley · 15 Feb 2011

2) A repair install doesnt make sense here- if you change the mobo type, you'll need new drivers. Repair install fixes severely corrupted OS files, thats all.

I had read that in allot of cases, if one installs a new motherboard, then when it is time for the first boot up, one could end up with a bsod.

If you get a mobo with the same chipset, then both OS should be okay without reinstallation. If it is another chipset, then you probably have to reinstall both (although 7 probably will boot up fine).

So is it possible I may not even need to mess with re-activation as well?

edit: I did some research on chipsets, and now have a better understanding...

DeaconFrost · 15 Feb 2011

You will most likely have to reactivate, but you have a retail license, so you'd be fine. I suggested the case because you could use any motherboard you wanted. You can get a nice case for less than $50. Many times, the size may be the same, but the screw holes, backplates, layout of the board, etc isn't compatible. It is very rare to be able to fit an aftermarket motherboard in an OEM case.