Question Regarding Replacing Motherboard

[sfrench11189]

I completed my first build the other day, installed the OS and drivers/programs. But while messing around with the internals, I managed to break a piece of the motherboard. I've ordered a replacement, so I was wondering, after I install the new Mobo, am I going to have to reinstall my OS etc and reformat and set up my HDDs that are set up in RAID 0? Or will I just be able to add the new Mobo and have the rest of the PC remain in its current state?

 

[alexoiu]

If similar boards, no need to reinstall. Just set SATA to RAID in BIOS.

 

[ram1009]

If the new MB is identical to the old you may not have to start over, however that's dependant upon whether or not your version of Windows is tied to the serial number of the old MB. I'm assuming, of course that you have an OEM version of the OS. If the new MB is significantly different than the old MB then you will need a new OS key and a fresh install because all the drivers are different.

 

[sfrench11189]

If the new MB is identical to the old you may not have to start over, however that's dependant upon whether or not your version of Windows is tied to the serial number of the old MB. I'm assuming, of course that you have an OEM version of the OS. If the new MB is significantly different than the old MB then you will need a new OS key and a fresh install because all the drivers are different.

Thanks for the information. I'm replacing it with the same board. And yes, I do have and OEM version of Windows 7, but from what I understand if I call Microsoft support in situations like this, they will be able to give me another key to use.

 

[ram1009]

If the new MB is identical to the old you may not have to start over, however that's dependant upon whether or not your version of Windows is tied to the serial number of the old MB. I'm assuming, of course that you have an OEM version of the OS. If the new MB is significantly different than the old MB then you will need a new OS key and a fresh install because all the drivers are different.

Thanks for the information. I'm replacing it with the same board. And yes, I do have and OEM version of Windows 7, but from what I understand if I call Microsoft support in situations like this, they will be able to give me another key to use.

I've heard the same but never had to do it. Good luck.