upgrading motherboard, ram & cpu - do i need to reinstall win 7?

[tekset5]

Hi all,

I have a set up where I am running Intel Core 2 Duo, DDR2 Ram and video card. Need an upgrade, so gonna get new MB, core i5, ddr3 ram and cheap video card.

Will windows automatically update all this? or will there be issues loading my current Win 7? I just have way too many programs installed and they have had modifications on them, so dont want to reinstall it all.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

You could do any of the following:

1: just build the new PC and connect your hard drive and see what happens. Not likely it will be a smooth transition, but maybe you'd rather take the chance and fight that after the fact than do a clean install.

2: use something like Paragon Adaptive Restore to ease the transition to the new hardware. It has a good reputation, but there is a learning curve.

3: do a clean install.

Most would tell you to go with a clean install although Windows 7 is more forgiving of new hardware than earlier versions of Windows.

I'd probably agree with the majority. You can certainly try the others, but you'd have to make a wild guess as to the total number of hours and frustration they might take in comparison to a clean install.

With a clean install, you can be up and running in some fashion in an hour or so. The re-installation of programs and configuration you have to go through can be spread out over days or a month if need be. Just install stuff when you need it.

It's hard to say whether you'd have to invest 4 hours or 40 hours if you took the other choices. There are a lot of unknown variables at play. You might get lucky or maybe not. If you are a quick learner, you might figure Paragon might be worth a 5 hour investment of your time and maybe it works.

This all ignores the issue of your Windows license. If it's OEM, Microsoft may or may not ultimately let you get away with a new motherboard.

And of course, the free upgrade to Windows 10 will be available within a couple of weeks, so you might want to consider that.

 

[fireberd]

First issue, is your Windows 7 a full Retail Version or an OEM Version? If its an OEM version, "legally" you can't reuse it with different hardware, although I have gotten Microsoft to reactive a copy with a different motherboard (the original motherboard died and an exact replacement wasn't available).

 

[gregrocker]

It will most likely not start on the new hardware although I'd try it first.

If not then Adjust Win7 to boot on new hardware with Paragon Adaptive Restore CD

 

[tekset5]

its not OEM. Can i just put in the Windows 7 DVD and do a repair or reinstall like thing? if such a feature exists.

I dont know if it does, I think winXP or some old O.S. has it. Not sure if Win 7 has it too.

 

[AddRAM]

You always reinstall windows on new equipment, there`s no repairing.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html