Solved New MB so new install ?

[fergiet]

Hi

New motherboard going into my pc, changing an Asrock for an Asus (long story ). My question is do I need to do a fresh install of win7 ? The os is on an ssd drive.

Happy to do a fresh install if that's best.

Win7 64 bit Home Premium.

 

[seavixen32]

Not necessarily. I think you'd be needing to change more than one hardware component before Windows asks you to re-activate.

 

[Bill2]

Most likely windows will ask for reactivation because its a new mobo, which is the component with the most weight in the activation dynamics. Also, device drivers would change so IMO a fresh install would be the right way to start. Make sure you back up all your data.

 

[fergiet]

Most likely windows will ask for reactivation because its a new mobo, which is the component with the most weight in the activation dynamics. Also, device drivers would change so IMO a fresh install would be the right way to start. Make sure you back up all your data.

Activation would be ok if I need to do it but I was more concerned about the new mb drivers. Will the previous drivers cause a conflict or will windows just ignore them ?

 

[Bill2]

You'll need to install the new drivers yourself, they wont install by magic. The older ones, they'll just be there, maybe you can use driver sweeper or something. But seriously, I wouldnt change my mobo and not install win7 afresh.

 

[fergiet]

You'll need to install the new drivers yourself, they wont install by magic. The older ones, they'll just be there, maybe you can use driver sweeper or something. But seriously, I wouldnt change my mobo and not install win7 afresh.

That's what I was thinking ! Just wanted to avoid a re-install if it was not necessary.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello mate.


As a clean install is in order, it would be best to do a complete wipe secure erase of the SSD first, have a look at these tutorials linked below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Additional Secure Erase / Wipe Information




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[theog]

Take a look at this tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/135077-windows-7-installation-transfer-new-computer.html

 

[gregrocker]

To be certain, SysPrep Win7 on old hardware before changing to the new hardware. This removes drivers, activation, SID so Win7 starts up like a new install. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...lation-transfer-new-computer.html#post1161038

You shouldn't have to install mobo drivers as the Win7 driverstore is pretty complete.

 

[fergiet]

To be certain, SysPrep Win7 on old hardware before changing to the new hardware. This removes drivers, activation, SID so Win7 starts up like a new install. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...lation-transfer-new-computer.html#post1161038

You shouldn't have to install mobo drivers as the Win7 driverstore is pretty complete.

Great, thanks for pointing me towards this method. Should save a lot of time. New mobo arrives on Saturday.

 

[alphanumeric]

Is your current Windows install OEM or Retail? If it's OEM you may have trouble activating it online. Retail versions of windows can be moved to another PC but OEM can't.

 

[fergiet]

Is your current Windows install OEM or Retail? If it's OEM you may have trouble activating it online. Retail versions of windows can be moved to another PC but OEM can't.

It's a retail version from Amazon. But I have slipstreamed SP1 with it onto a dvd to save time. However if I can use SysPrep I will not need to use it !

 

[Wishmaster]

It is possible to change out MOBO without re-installing Windows.
But Ive never tried the sysprep method, or the Acronis Method of doing it.


However, as already mentioned you will need to re-activate Windows.

IMHO, a clean install is always best with MOBO change and what I too would recommend doing.
Since you have to reactivate anyway .. why not start fresh? its a good excuse to

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

It is possible to change out MOBO without re-installing Windows.
But Ive never tried the sysprep method, or the Acronis Method of doing it.


However, as already mentioned you will need to re-activate Windows.

IMHO, a clean install is always best with MOBO change and what I too would recommend doing.
Since you have to reactivate anyway .. why not start fresh? its a good excuse to

.+1
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[fergiet]

Thanks for all the help guys.

Mobo replaced and W7 running fine. Did a clean install and had to re-activate W7 using the free phone number.

Thanks again.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Good to see you got it sorted and thanks for the update.