I am upgrading a motherboard and CPU, will I lose all my files and programs?

[nballard2097]

I'm going to soon be upgrading my mother's Optiplex 360's motherboard and CPU, plus new memory. However, I am only replacing those components.

If I do replace the CPU, and motherboard, what exactly will happen? Will she lose all her programs and files? Or just programs? If I have to reboot a new OS I'm fine with that, but I don't want her to lose her files.

If somebody could explain what will/can happen that would be great!

 

[ComputerSecurityGuy]

Windows will require a new copy if you change motherboards. The best way these days is to buy a small SSD to install your OS on and just plug in your old HDD afterwards so you keep your files and have bulk storage. The SSD can go just about anywhere it can fit. Ideally remove the optical drive, though, as you will need it for a SATA cable most likely. This adds $10 to buy a USB optical drive though.

 

[geofelt]

If your new motherboard chipset is similar to your old motherboard, there is a fair chance that you will be able to boot into windows using your old "C" drive. If you can, then you need only to install the motherboard drivers that come with your new motherboard cd.
If the motherboards are too different , like going from amd to intel, then you will not usually boot because your old windows does not have the correct drivers.

Here is a procedure that might work, but I have not tried it:
http://www.dowdandassociates.com/blog/content/howto-repair-windows-7-install-after-replacing-motherboard/

If you need to do a clean install, it would be an opportune time to upgrade to a ssd.
To prepare, use windows easy transfer to export your settings.
Disconnect your hard drives so windows does not try to put a hidden recovery partition on them.
After the clean install, you can reattach your hard drives and import your old settings.
Since you have a new clean registry, your programs will need to be reinstalled.

If your windows is OEM, you technically need a new license. But, MS is surprisingly lenient about letting you reactivate with a new motherboard.
If telephone reactivation is needed, the key question answer is to say that hhis copy of windows is used nowhere else.

Here is another procedure that I have not tried either:

if you want to just change the windows OS installed hard drive you can use this tool located in your windows : C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep

what this tool does is.. it removes all drivers, app licenses and it prepares your system as a new installation that all drivers are removed ( not assigned anymore ) this is what we use in our company basis to capture images and install on many PCs without no issues...

what you have to do it select OOBE > tick Generalize > shutdown option as "shutdow" when it the its done your PC will shut down and then remove the HDD install it in what ever PC you want. it will have all your files, other programs and everything. but not your licenses will be removed for your license security

They mainly want to be assured that you are not a pirate and that this copy of windows is not used anywhere else.

 

[Alabalcho]

Dell Optiples (as well as most brand-name OEM computers) uses BTX form-factor, which places all components (I/O slots, back panel, CPU) at different place. Moreover, there's good chance front panel interface is proprietary.

You won't be able to find a motherboard that fits the Optiplex case. Plan to get your mom a new case (and new PSU, probably) as well if you want to reuse some of Dell' parts.

Edit: Here is the service manual for your Optiplex.