MOBO replacement - Windows backup

[tobargy]

Hello

My rig :

CPU: i7 4790k
old MOBO: ASUS MAXIMUS FORMULA VII
RAM: 32 4x8GB DDR3 Corsair Dominator 2133mhz
GPU: 2x GTX 980ti hydro copper

I am replacing my old MOBO due to 2nd PCIE slot not detecting my graphics card to MSI's Gaming 7 z97

I was told that I will have to reinstall Windows if I change the MOBO, Is there a way I can store an image of the current Windows am running onto my Hard disk as I have a lot of space I can use there or does it have to be an external drive?

 

[herrwizo]

If you were replacing the mobo with the same model, you would not have to touch anything - it would all work immediately.

When using a different mobo, it should still be fairly painless, especially if using the same chipset. Windows will most likely boot and you will only have to reinstall drivers for the mobo.

In some cases, you can even get the Windows to boot on entirely different mobo (Intel vs AMD, for example), without issues. Depends on a lot of factors, luck included 😉

You can create an image of your current drive by using various cloning tools (such as Macrium reflect or Easeus Todo Backup), but that won't help, since the image will contain ALL your current drivers and setup for your current board.

If it doesn't work, you will likely have to reinstall from scratch, which is also the most recommended option, especially if you encounter instability or weird behaviour after upgrading. But you have a very good chance that everything will work without issues.

 

[tobargy]

If you were replacing the mobo with the same model, you would not have to touch anything - it would all work immediately.

When using a different mobo, it should still be fairly painless, especially if using the same chipset. Windows will most likely boot and you will only have to reinstall drivers for the mobo.

In some cases, you can even get the Windows to boot on entirely different mobo (Intel vs AMD, for example), without issues. Depends on a lot of factors, luck included 😉

You can create an image of your current drive by using various cloning tools (such as Macrium reflect or Easeus Todo Backup), but that won't help, since the image will contain ALL your current drivers and setup for your current board.

If it doesn't work, you will likely have to reinstall from scratch, which is also the most recommended option, especially if you encounter instability or weird behaviour after upgrading. But you have a very good chance that everything will work without issues.

thanks for the fast reply

Is there a way I can save the softwares or create on image of my installed softwares that have serial numbers with them on one of my hard drives

 

[herrwizo]

If any apps were written in a way to recognize the mobo change, you will have to re-register them, and saving the registration data won't help. In fact, even Windows will almost certainly ask for reactivation.

You can store the entire system image by using Macrium Reflect of Easeus TodoBackup. But as I mentioned, it likely won't help (at least not for all apps) - the backup data is only valid for old mobo. If you restored it with your new mobo, reactivation would still be required.

The easiest route at this point is to simply go on with mobo replacement, and reactivate the apps which require you to do so (if any). Afterwards, it is a good idea to perform a backup.

 

[tobargy]

If any apps were written in a way to recognize the mobo change, you will have to re-register them, and saving the registration data won't help. In fact, even Windows will almost certainly ask for reactivation.

You can store the entire system image by using Macrium Reflect of Easeus TodoBackup. But as I mentioned, it likely won't help (at least not for all apps) - the backup data is only valid for old mobo. If you restored it with your new mobo, reactivation would still be required.

The easiest route at this point is to simply go on with mobo replacement, and reactivate the apps which require you to do so (if any). Afterwards, it is a good idea to perform a backup.

Is there a way to look at the software serial numbers used on this PC since I have a lot of softwares I don't want to lose track of once I reboot

 

[herrwizo]

You should have a documentation with license for each purchased software, and in some cases you might need to call the developers for reactivation. If the software you mention is not legit, I am sorry - cannot provide help with that as per rules of this forum.

 

[tobargy]

You should have a documentation with license for each purchased software, and in some cases you might need to call the developers for reactivation. If the software you mention is not legit, I am sorry - cannot provide help with that as per rules of this forum.

All of them are legit, its just 3D programs like Zbrush and such that am worrying about cuz I heard about a thing I can type into "run" to see the serial numbers activated on the machine

 

[gdmaclew]

Belarc Advisor is the standard when it comes to finding serial numbers for software.
Give it a try.