Can I change my mobo without reinstalling windows?
- Thread starter Washrag
- Start date
If you are talking about a prebuilt system there with the included recovery disk forget it. Swapping boards is a major hardware change requiring a fresh install of XP and you can expect that with Vista too. The recovery disk is more or less bound to the original hardwares seen in a prebuilt system. Sorry to say but you will need a new copy of Windows full version preferred to start fresh there.
The drivers for the existing board and included hardwares are safely stored in a hidden portion of the drive to allow for recovery with the disk you have. For a new board buy an OEM release of XP for under $90 by shopping around.
The drivers for the existing board and included hardwares are safely stored in a hidden portion of the drive to allow for recovery with the disk you have. For a new board buy an OEM release of XP for under $90 by shopping around.
Washrag
New Member
Not what I wanted to hear but thanks for helping.
What does OEM stand for? Newegg says you need proof by receipt of updated hardware etc.
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Which version of XP are you running? One place saw XP Pro/SP2 for $80. The OEM I'm referring to isn't bound to one machine but simply lacks the retail carton and large paperback book. It simply gets shipped in a mailer with ot's original sleeve for the disk. Vista is larger is seen on dvd in a plastic case. But you save there rather then spending closer to $200 for the carton and book.
One place found with the lowest price on XP Home/SP2 is at mwave.com. The price there was only $82.99 as seen at http://www.mwave.com/mwave/Skusearch.hmx?scriteria=AA15060 Here I bought both 32bit versions more then once plus have a multiple boot going with Vista Home Premium. That's why I build my own rather then being limited as far as OS options.
One place found with the lowest price on XP Home/SP2 is at mwave.com. The price there was only $82.99 as seen at http://www.mwave.com/mwave/Skusearch.hmx?scriteria=AA15060 Here I bought both 32bit versions more then once plus have a multiple boot going with Vista Home Premium. That's why I build my own rather then being limited as far as OS options.
Washrag
New Member
Okay. But can I still use my current hard drive and just install windows over it and its data?
The drive is no problem. But the problem with only having the recovery disk provided for a prebuilt system is not being able to perform even a good repair install of Windows. With a new disk you can easily delete the current installation to avoid wiping everything you have in other then MS created folders namely Windows, DocumentsandSettings, and Program Files.
Or you can backup everything and simply start fresh after removing the hidden partition meaning finding and removing that with a drive partitioning tool and stretching the current primary or deleting everything to create a new single primary. As long as the drive is still in good working you simply decide which route to take there.
Or you can backup everything and simply start fresh after removing the hidden partition meaning finding and removing that with a drive partitioning tool and stretching the current primary or deleting everything to create a new single primary. As long as the drive is still in good working you simply decide which route to take there.
Impulse666
New Member
OEM = Original equipment manufacturer
assuming this is an OEM prebuilt computer (HP, Compaq, Dell, etc) i dont think you have much of a chance. call tech support for your pc and ask them if you are allowed to keep your license of the operating system if you replace your motherboard, and ask them what it requires. if they discourage the upgrade tell them it was defective (blown capacitor usually does it) and needs to be replaced, and you already bought a new motherboard to replace it with. make a big deal of it and keep asking for a manager or supervisor. dont get pushed around by them, because that is what they are supposed to do. sometimes all it takes is a new activation code which they will provide for you.
assuming this is an OEM prebuilt computer (HP, Compaq, Dell, etc) i dont think you have much of a chance. call tech support for your pc and ask them if you are allowed to keep your license of the operating system if you replace your motherboard, and ask them what it requires. if they discourage the upgrade tell them it was defective (blown capacitor usually does it) and needs to be replaced, and you already bought a new motherboard to replace it with. make a big deal of it and keep asking for a manager or supervisor. dont get pushed around by them, because that is what they are supposed to do. sometimes all it takes is a new activation code which they will provide for you.
Washrag
New Member
Just to clear things up, it will replace program files documents&settings or it won't?
its funny all these people answered a question, just not the one you want, new motherboard, yes you should do a fresh install of windows, will it delete your information, no not if you just do a fresh install without formating your hard drive. It should just install over the windows files and leave your old files on your computer where you left them
When you go to install XP again with a new disk it will automatically delete the Windows, DocumentsandSettings, and Program Files directories. Those are MS created. It won't touch any folders you created later outside of those unless you reformat the drive or choose to delete the partitions currently on it and start off with a new primary.
You should back up anything inside the MS prior to a clean install like any photos, text files, etc. from under your user name for later retrieval. Those can go into temp folders on the drive while backing them up on removable media is the common practice. On a single hard drive system removable media can save the day. Frequent backups are always advised anyways.