Moving HD/Win 7 Install after MOBO failure, possible?

[zandterman]

Ok, a little background: I purchased an HP Pavilion P6214Y Desktop about two years ago. System ran well, perhaps a little hot from time to time, until one morning (shortly after the warranty period, of course) it froze and and started returning "No bootable media found" errors on startup. I narrowed down the problem to having something to do with the SATA connection on the motherboard, for which the solution would to be to attempt to find a replacement MOBO from a third party distributor, or have HP repair it for a small fortune.

So my next idea is to purchase a replacement MOBO and processor (and memory to match). Theoretically, I have a functional HD, powersupply and case. While not trying to be cheap, I would like to be as cost effiecent as possible. After doing some research, I've found that (likely) it would not be as simple as hooking my existing equipment into a new MOBO/processor, or the second choice, dropping my old HD with win7 into a new barebones-type kit.

Since I cannot prep my installation for the move, will a complete reinstall be necessary? Also, I'm planning to change from AMD processor/MOBO to Intel, would that cause further issues? I have access to other Windows 7 machines through work, but none with the same hardware setup as my personal machine, would I still be able to create/use recovery media from those units to repair or reinstall Win7 on the new, hybrid machine? Or am I just better off biting the bullet and purchasing a new physical copy/license of Win7, and reinstalling from that?

I don't have any system created backups, but I was able to retrieve my files from my HD onto a backup drive using a USB on a different PC, so I'm not too worried about losing files. Finally, from an inexperienced builder, are there any other glaring issues I'm overlooking?

Thank you all for taking the time.

 

[gregrocker]

Since you don't have the old mobo to run SysPrep on the HD to remove all drivers, HID and SID to prepare it to start on new hardware, your only sure option is to boot Paragon Adaptive REstore CD on the new hardware and point it at Win7.

That said, it might start on the new hardware but you cannot be assured of this by any means unless using one of those two methods.

A clean reinstall is always a great start. Adapt these steps to get a perfect install, based on thousands of them done here: Reinstalling Windows 7

 

[theog]

You will need to replace the MOBO on the HP Pavilion P6214Y Desktop, with same MOBO model.

 

[Corazon]

You will need to replace the MOBO on the HP Pavilion P6214Y Desktop, with same MOBO model.

Why?

The OP wants to take this opportunity to go to a different system based on Intel rather than AMD. Windows 7 issues aside, that's perfectly possible. I don't see why he couldn't do that, unless the PC case can't physically accommodate a standard ATX board.

 

[gregrocker]

You'd need to replace with same mobo only to keep the Factory OEM activation. Swapping in all the new hardware you want which the box will accomodate and is compatible is up to you, you'd just have to buy a new Win7 license to cover a mobo change.

Have you determined with certainty the problem with the mobo? Have you tried another SATA port, another HD, plugged in an IDE HD to try it if available?

 

[zandterman]

Definitely MOBO problem. Does not recognize original or older HD, or optical drives, on any of the 6 SATA ports. HD is functional when hooked via SATA/USB converter to another running pc. System seemed to recognize USB as the keyboard still worked, and I was able to get into and navigate the BIOS. Only thing I didn't try was booting to an OS (Windows or Linux) via USB, but that's not a long term solution any way if I can't detect SATA drives.

I'm pretty sure I'll be getting a newer MOBO, as much of the things I've read about this MOBO in other HP systems state that it's had issues. That being said, sounds like if I want Win7 on my "new" PC, I'll need to purchase a license, so I may as well just purchase a physical copy + license and completely wipe and reinstall.

 

[kegobeer]

You might not need to buy a new copy. I don't remember if the HP restore discs look for a BIOS identifier, but if it doesn't you can try to install Windows and use your OEM key. If it works, great. If not, you can call Microsoft and ask if they'll activate Windows for you.

I'd at least try before buying a retail copy. You'd be surprised at the number of times Microsoft will gladly allow you to use your OEM copy on a new motherboard.

 

[gregrocker]

That would be quite an exception. Let us know.