replacing motherboard and processor

allan2011

I am replacing the motherboard, memory, graphics card and processor on my computer rather than buying a new computer.

The parts are ordered but will not be delivered for a day or 2.

The OS is Windows 7 Ultimate retail version. I got it from my son who got it on a visit to Microsoft in Seattle.

Will I be able to use the hard drive as it is or will Windows not boot?

Should I uninstall all the previous drivers before removing the present motherboard?

Should I do a clean install and reactivate Windows 7 after I fit the motherboard?

Any tips or hints to make the fitting of the motherboard easy?

russell_e

Windows 7 is better at major hardware changes than previous versions.

I would only uninstall the graphics drivers if they are from a different manufacturer (NVidia or ATI).

Of course, it's nice to start a new build with a new install but that's up to you.

Pikeyp

Don't forget to backup all your data before you start pulling your PC to bits!!

Another thing to consider is the Power Supply , depending on how old your PC is , it might not have the right connectors for the motherboard .. and of course a new power hungry graphics card!

Salami

If you're replacing the Motherboard, RAM, and Processor, you're effectively building a new computer and slapping it in the old case. unless you're swapping out with exactly the same kit, you'll need to reinstall. Win7 isn't that good at hardware changes..

Be sure that the power supply you currently have can provide adequate power (a modern PSU should be a minimum 400W for a regular home PC)

you'll want to strip out your case, make sure everything that's going back in is as dust free as you can get it (be careful of static when handling things, try not to touch pins, components, etc), put it back together with the new bits, then boot from the Win 7 CD.

Choose the 'Install a new operating system' option rather than the upgrade. this will re-partition and format the hard drive. No need to uninstall anything beforehand.

russell_e

Salami wrote: »

If you're replacing the Motherboard, RAM, and Processor, you're effectively building a new computer and slapping it in the old case. unless you're swapping out with exactly the same kit, you'll need to reinstall. Win7 isn't that good at hardware changes..

Be sure that the power supply you currently have can provide adequate power (a modern PSU should be a minimum 400W for a regular home PC)

you'll want to strip out your case, make sure everything that's going back in is as dust free as you can get it (be careful of static when handling things, try not to touch pins, components, etc), put it back together with the new bits, then boot from the Win 7 CD.

Choose the 'Install a new operating system' option rather than the upgrade. this will re-partition and format the hard drive. No need to uninstall anything beforehand.

Not strictly true.

Swapping an Intel based system for an AMD system may well need a reinstall but Intel for Intel should work without any issues.

Back up everything from your HDD & fire up the shiny new hardware with the original HDD & see what happens. Worst case you'll have to reinstall, if not, you're good to go.

MonkeyMad

@Salami
That is some of the worst informed advice I've seen. I've swapped loads of kit on Windows 7 machines without re-installing and even done the change the OP suggested. I've only once had a problem with the HDD drivers, and that may well have been because the mobo failed so I couldn't uninstall drivers - why go straight for the nuclear option?

Most likely problem you will have is Windows 7 will not recognise the HDD drivers on first boot and blue screen on you. At this point your choices are to re-install or use something like Paragon Hard Disk Manager to create a boot disk which can 'inject' the new drivers. I tend to choose to inject drivers.

Did this only a few weeks ago (in all of my many mobo/cpu swaps I have never re-installed Windows of any flavour as I just can't be bothered setting it all up again)

demystified

OP its a simple swap over of the hard drives with a Retail copy, I've done it myself plenty of times. If you're going from an Intel CPU to an AMD you have to remove some Intel chipset drivers and also determine if you're using Legacy IDE or AHCI if your HDD is SATA but thats about it (if you're using IDE then change the driver to the standard one).

More here: http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=793583
and here: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2007/09/how-to-install-a-new-motherboard-without-reinstalling-windows/

allan2011

Well, that was pretty easy, changed everything and booted the computer.
I had, of course, to install all the correct drivers, but Windows 7 only complained once, that was that I needed to reactive because of the new hardware.

That was easily done over the automated freephone number.