Buying a New Motherboard, OS on SSD, and Programs on HDD

[Nuttfuz]

Hello,

My new mITX machine is getting a replacement motherboard as the MSI z97 Gaming AC motherboard crapped out, so I'm returning it. I'm switching to the ASUS z87 Maximus Impact. I'm only changing the motherboard, so can I do a clean swap and install the new drivers? If I have to reinstall windows, can my programs and files installed on my HDD still work when I install windows again?

Thanks in advance,
Nutt

 

[USAFRet]

Maybe. Switching motherboards is very much of a 'sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't'.
You won't know until you try. But be fully prepared for if it does not work.

If it was a preinstalled OS, then you WILL need a new OS and install.
What OS is it, and was it preinstalled (OEM)?

 

[USAFRet]

And if you need to reinstall the OS, you will need to reinstall the applications. You can install them to the same place as they are now, but reinstalling will create the required Registry entries with the new OS.

 

[geofelt]

The chipsets are so similar that I think you are very likely to be able to boot and just install the new motherboard drivers.
I have successfully made such a switch in the past from Z87 to Z97.

If you need to do a clean install of windows, you will get a clean registry which will require you to reinstall your programs . This might be an opportune time to convert to a ssd. You will not regret it.

 

[Nuttfuz]

Maybe. Switching motherboards is very much of a 'sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't'.
You won't know until you try. But be fully prepared for if it does not work.

If it was a preinstalled OS, then you WILL need a new OS and install.
What OS is it, and was it preinstalled (OEM)?

Hopefully it will be that easy. My OS is Windows 7 Ultimate, not OEM. I guess I'll find out next weekend when the new motherboard comes in.

 

[Nuttfuz]

The chipsets are so similar that I think you are very likely to be able to boot and just install the new motherboard drivers.
I have successfully made such a switch in the past from Z87 to Z97.

If you need to do a clean install of windows, you will get a clean registry which will require you to reinstall your programs . This might be an opportune time to convert to a ssd. You will not regret it.

Cool, hopefully it will be that easy. As stated in the title, I have my OS on my SSD. Best investment I've made in the PC, it is very snappy. I also get to laugh at my roommate as his PC takes 4-5 min before it is all fired up and ready to go!