Confused about OS reinstallation on new mobo

[atarisafari]

my gigabyte z77x-ud4h is giving me problems so I'm switching to an asrock z77 extreme 4 tomorrow. I've looked up what to do regarding windows with this new mobo and I'm still confused. What exactly am I supposed to do regarding my OS when switching motherboards?

 

[celtic_warrior99]

You shouldnt have to do anything. JUst install the new harddrives and fire it up!

 

[i7Baby]

Depends on the OS.

Switch motherboards and see how you go. If OK then update drivers.

You might need to provide MS eg Product Key to re-activate it. They should be cool if you tell them you're just replacing the motherboard.

 

[aldan]

you will want to backup your data and do a fresh install of windows.

 

[atarisafari]

See now there's 2 people telling me one thing and then one person telling me another that's why I'm confused

 

[atarisafari]

My mobo right now isn't usable so how would I go about uninstalling windows for a fresh install

 

[aldan]

the general rule is that when you replace cpu or mb a clean install is recommended to avoid driver conflicts etc.you may get lucky and it will boot up fine with no issues but there is a greater chance you will have problems without doing a clean install.you could always install the hdd in another computer and backup your files to another medium like an external hdd.

 

[atarisafari]

Okay Ill do just that thank you

 

[atarisafari]

When you backup your data, do the windows files go with it? I don't want to cause conflicts

 

[i7Baby]

Just copy what you want to keep. Data. Apps can be re-installed.

 

[aldan]

you should be able to choose the files to backup,but even if they did you can always delete them off of the backup drive at a later date.when you get your computer up and running again you can transfer the files you want back to your main drive.

 

[celtic_warrior99]

a good program to backup with is called EaseUS ToDo Backup.-http://www.todo-backup.com/

 

[atarisafari]

Okay cool thanks

 

[celtic_warrior99]

np