Reinstalling windows after new mobo?

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What OS? If Win 10:
Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html


For the actual booting up, you'll probably (but maybe not) need to do a full reinstall.
And for that, you'll need to save all of your personal files elsewhere during this.

How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10
 
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Windows 7 Home premium, and I know the key for it so I can do it if I need to. Im just worried Ill have to redownload all of my games and apps.
 
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A clean install of the OS is a blank slate.
All your applications will need to be reinstalled.

Assuming you have another drive handy, Steam games can probably be saved. Find the SteamApps folder, and copy that whole thing off to a different drive.
 
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Yeah but how do I reinstall it? when I switch out the motherboard and turn on the computer will it tell me to?
 
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Do you have the OS install USB or DVD?
Boot from that, and follow all the prompts.

Just like when the system was brand new and you installed the OS the first time.
 
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Its been too long and Ive lost the dvd but I have the key for it
 
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Well I cant download the ISO because my computer was pre purchased so rip. Should I buy the digital version of windows 7?
 
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Ah yes.
That does not work with an OEM Win 7 license.
 
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Options:

Possibly try to Upgrade your current Win 7 to Win 10.
Yes, the free upgrade period is long gone, but supposedly it still works.

If you can upgrade the existing Win 7 on the existing system to Win 10, you can almost certainly move that license to new hardware.


Or, but a new valid license for Win 7. Costs about the same as a new Win 10 license. About $90.
 
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do you know how to upgrade it for free?
 
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Create a Win 10 USB or DVD.
Here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

On your current Win 7 system, boot from that and install.
You're doing a whole new install, so prepare for that.

It may or may not activate itself. That is the part that costs money.
If it does, then Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

Assuming all is OK so far, you can build up your new hardware.
Again, do a clean OS install on the new hardware.
How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10


Then, in the links above, go through the Activation Troubleshooter to tell MS about your new hardware and the Win 10 license.



Basically, what we're doing here is Upgrading your current Win 7 to Win 10.
Doing a clean install of WIN 10 on your new hardware and then getting it activated.
 
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Is there a chance that I wont even need to reinstall windows? because this stuff seems like way too much of a hassle to do plus another 90 bucks added onto the 600 dollars worth of components I bought to upgrade
 
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1. There is a chance you don't need to do a reinstall. A small chance.

2. Your current OEM Win 7 license will not transfer to the new hardware. Period. That's where the potential extra cost comes in.

So either you upgrade your current Win 7 to win 10, probably for free.

Or, but a new OS license, either Win 7 or Win 10, for your new hardware.

And depending on what hardware you're moving to, Win 7 may be completely out of the question anyway. New hardware does not necessarily work with Win 7, no matter what the licensing.
MS and hardware manufacturers are dropping support for Win 7.
 
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OK thanks for you help anyway, I will try first to get it for free.
 
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Hey again! I actually got Windows 10 for free and it seems to be working. Should I install my motherboard and cpu now?
 
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Is it activated and also linked to your MS account?
Verify this before you proceed.
 
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Yes
 
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I can use the usb boot that I created with rufus?
Also is there anything I need to do before switching out the motherboard or will it ask me if I want to reinstall windows? Will it let me install windows 10 on the new drive without a key just like how I got it?
 
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Yes, you can use that same USB.

With the drive in a whole new system, it may completely fail to boot up.
Or, it might work OK.

If you're prepared to do a clean install, do that.
Assemble the new hardware, boot from that USB, install, and proceed on...
 
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Alright thanks. I'll reply again if it works or if I have any issues.
 
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Yep theres a problem (of course). Quite simply put, my computer turns on and all the lights turn on and fans are turning (good sign I hope) but when I connect the HDMI cord nothing shows up onto the tv.
 
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