Wiping PC - Need step by step.

[ZhadowZ]

I am cleaning up all my programs, images, music, etc.

I just ordered my new CPU, i5 4690, ASRock Mobo and some new fans.

What all do I need to do too make sure I get all drivers, etc once I swap out my new parts?!
Just download drivers?

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Not sure what you mean by wiping the PC if you mean tidying up the hard drive then put it in the new set up it will not work properly because the OS activation code will be tied to the old board. Now unless I am terribly wrong if you hook up the old hard drive into the new set up it will flash up as non genuine or something like that.

What I would personally do is buy a new hard drive install an OEM or the retail version if it was one and just transfer the needed data from the old drive to the new.

Another option is to use the ISO form this tutorial http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html and ask Microsoft if you can use the old activation code on the machine's new board - just explain the old board has gone south. Usually they are very obliging unless you do it more than say three times as I have doe it on machines I have had to fix for friends etc
PS Meant to add make sure you ONLY pick te version you had before don't be greedy like some try to do.

 

[Barman58]

As you are contemplating a major rebuild, I would strongly advise that you Backup all your data and completely wipe the system before (or more accurately during), a completely fresh install.

The changes to motherboard drivers alone is worth the effort, as the driver remnants from the existing install never seem to completely remove themselves.

I would also advise that you consider partitioning your hard drive(s), to keep your data and operating system separate which makes any future OS Upgrades a lot simpler. I wwould also suggest that before you start the re-install you create a CD or USB stick containing all your required drivers, (pay particular attention to any network drivers )

 

[badcrc]

Another option is to use the ISO form this tutorial http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html and ask Microsoft if you can use the old activation code on the machine's new board - just explain the old board has gone south.

The iso's are no longer available for a simple download, unless you can supply your retail serial. AFAIK OEM users have been kinda abandoned by MS. Not sure if this is permanent.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Mmm Barman I thought Zhadow was just intending to swap out the board and CPU because the case was ok but it is a good point to back up data - I do on a regular basis by imaging. Also what I was saying about a new drive I was sort of hinting that the old drive could be cannibalized for the data etc and maybe used as a back up drive itself but maybe I should have been a bit clearer.
I sort of half agree with the drivers only because so many are being updated all the flipping time and I thought the latest Windows would find.??

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Another option is to use the ISO form this tutorial http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html and ask Microsoft if you can use the old activation code on the machine's new board - just explain the old board has gone south.

The iso's are no longer available for a simple download, unless you can supply your retail serial. AFAIK OEM users have been kinda abandoned by MS. Not sure if this is permanent.

Hmm first I have heard of this as Greg in that tutorial quotes the source in his great tutorial I linked
see this for it and scroll down to the versions so sorry still available Windows 7 Direct Download Links, Official Disk Images from Digital River

 

[badcrc]

Gregrocker 5 days ago

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...iso-servers-taken-down-again.html#post2998107

 

[gregrocker]

Home Prem is still working from downloads as of this morning. Then unlock all versions with ei.cfg removal tool before burning to disk, or else delete that file in Sources folder after writing to stick.

Otherwise what Win7 media do you have? Have access to?

 

[ZhadowZ]

Okay to clear this up.
I have an OS that I paid for 2 years ago when I built this PC. And I have since then done a full restore before and it was no problem I just used the key again.

Tomorrow (possibly the next day) I will be receiving a new Motherboard, and CPU and fans.

I want to just wipe my HDD, because I will be using this PC now for Streaming and my other computer for my gaming.
Should I just wipe the HDD, and then swap out my parts, reinstall the OS, and drivers, etc?
Or will the OS still be tied to the Motherboard which means I will need to contact Microsoft which I then severely hope they let me switch my OS to the new Mobo because I do not want to spend $80+ dollars again.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Okay to clear this up.
I have an OS that I paid for 2 years ago when I built this PC. And I have since then done a full restore before and it was no problem I just used the key again.

Tomorrow (possibly the next day) I will be receiving a new Motherboard, and CPU and fans.

I want to just wipe my HDD, because I will be using this PC now for Streaming and my other computer for my gaming.
Should I just wipe the HDD, and then swap out my parts, reinstall the OS, and drivers, etc?
Or will the OS still be tied to the Motherboard which means I will need to contact Microsoft which I then severely hope they let me switch my OS to the new Mobo because I do not want to spend $80+ dollars again.

I think I hinted before that if the OS was an OEM you bought the code for it will be tied to the old board BUT if you can download that ISO and then contact Microsoft and say that the old board is useless as I think you are intimating anyway - they usually will let you use the code again. Of course if you do this for more than once or twice then they will not let you use the code because it would be obvious you are trying to be a smart person

If the version was a retail pack then you will have no problems because you can use it several times as long as it is used on only one machine at a time. you cannot for example put it on a desktop and your laptop if that were the case.
So what we need to know is what version did you buy? an OEM or the full retail because as I have just explained there is quite a difference on how you can use the OS you bought.

 

[ZhadowZ]

1 x Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Thats what I bought in 2012.

And the motherboard is not crap, its just I am switching from AMD to Intel CPU so I had to switch the motherboard. Its actually the CPU that is crap/behind in tech.
But they do not need to know that.

So download the ISO and Contact Microsoft, do you have a more direct instruction on this? Sorry I am just a bit worried now because I am really not in the mood to spend another $80 if they don't let me do this.

 

[gregrocker]

If you want to adjust the current Win7 to boot on the new hardware and it will not start on it's own, then Adjust Win7 to boot on new hardware with Paragon Adaptive Restore CD.

If you prefer you can start fresh with a Clean Reinstall Windows 7.

When/if reactivation at Control Panel>System is rejected then use the phone option to plead your case. Activate Windows 7 by Phone - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[ICIT2LOL]

1 x Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Thats what I bought in 2012.

And the motherboard is not crap, its just I am switching from AMD to Intel CPU so I had to switch the motherboard. Its actually the CPU that is crap/behind in tech.
But they do not need to know that.

So download the ISO and Contact Microsoft, do you have a more direct instruction on this? Sorry I am just a bit worried now because I am really not in the mood to spend another $80 if they don't let me do this.

Well mate I am just saying that is what you might have to tell them a little fib I know it is really not quite the thing to do but if you are insistent on not paying for another OEM then you will have to do that. But you do what you think best.

I simply pointed out that the original install of the version you have got if it is an OEM will be tied to the AMD board and if you install the same OEM version on the Intel board then it will not activate. I cannot be clearer than that.

 

[ZhadowZ]

Yes, but if I uninstall it from this board wouldn't it just work?

Gregrocker, I will just take your advice. Thank you.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Yes, but if I uninstall it from this board wouldn't it just work?

Gregrocker, I will just take your advice. Thank you.

Well mate if you find out how to do that - that is take the activation code from a motherboard (uninstall it as you refer to it) that the code is already tied to and use it on another one without help from Microsoft then you are the first person I know that can do that.

I am not trying to be pedantic it is just the way it happens you just cannot change the rules as and when you please if so we would all be at it.

I think you will find Greg will agree with what I have already told you it is the agreement you take on with Microsoft when you install an OEM of Windows or any OEM software from them.

 

[gregrocker]

Reports are that MS is making exceptions on moving OEM version to new mobo. This may have to do with OEM being the only version available now. So you can try phone activation if activation on the new mobo fails.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Well this is news to me and good news anyway so I hope the OP can do that anyway I should have butted out much earlier and got on with other things:sarc:

 

[ZhadowZ]

Okay, so I switched out my:
CPU and Motherboard.

And booted up my PC and everything works like I didn't even change anything at all.
All I did was installed drivers.

I havn't even messed with Windows, (Like reinstalling or anything yet) because it just seems to be working fine.

Previous:
AMD 975 BE X4 Phenom
Radeon 5450

Now:
i5 4690
HD 4600 Integrated Graphics (Until arrival of my GTX 970

I did have to open up Start menu > right click computer > properties > Activate Windows

But I think all is good?