Steps before installing a new Motherboard and CPU

[Franklin_4]

Hi I am about to install a new motherboard + CPU later this week and I need some pointers.

Currently using:

CPU: AMD A8-5500 Trinity Dual Core

Motherboard: F2A85-M Pro (FM2)

Upgrading to:
CPU : AMD FX 6300 Six Core Vishera

Motherboard: ASRock 970M Pro3 AM3+/AM3
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157582)

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When these new components arrive, what should my plan of action be?

Heres what im planning on doing...please correct me where appropriate.
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Mobo arrives (cpu already here)
Install new drivers for CPU and MoBo
Power down rig & open case
Take pictures and mark certain cables + connectors with tags
Unplug all the cables
Screw in the new MoBo
Replug cables to appropriate pins and ports
Apply thermal paste
attach cpu
Turn on computer and keep my fingers crossed.

I feel really nervous about this guys...I've done graphics card and PSU already and ive added ram to plenty of systems but im bad with software so im nervous about this upgrade because i wont know what to do if it doesnt work and i am forced to navigate a solution via tomshardware from my iphone =\

thanks in advance for your Advice

 

[USAFRet]

Step 1: Prepare for if you have to do a whole OS reinstallation. This includes all your applications.

 

[kanewolf]

You missed the "Assume you will have to do clean Windows install" ... Changing motherboards usually requires a clean windows install to get all the "ghosts" of the old system out. It may be the case that you will never get the old Windows to boot....

 

[shiitaki]

I would do the opposite in preparation. I would uninstall all of the drivers for your current motherboard. This includes and utilities and sound/netowrk drivers. And then do the switch. Windows is pretty good so with a little luck, and a phone call to India you will be good to go. Just be ready to install the correct set of drivers for your new motherboard that you would have of course went to the manufacturers website and downloaded the latest in preparation. This is especially important for networking. You can usually get any other drivers if your networking drivers are loaded.

As aways, backup your data and be ready for a reinstall as others have said.

 

[CBender]

You forgot the cooler installation just kidding. Definitely you should make a clean install of windows. Changing all the drivers could be painful and not with out consequences. Also have a desk as large as possible with all then necessities (screwdriver, zip ties, screws). The more organized you are the smoother things will go. Can't emphasize this enough.

 

[USAFRet]

Mobo arrives (cpu already here)
Install new drivers for CPU and MoBo
Power down rig & open case
Take pictures and mark certain cables + connectors with tags
Unplug all the cables
Screw in the new MoBo
Replug cables to appropriate pins and ports
Apply thermal paste
attach cpu
Turn on computer and keep my fingers crossed

Even disregarding my Step 1 above, this will not work.

How are you figuring to "Install new drivers for CPU and MoBo", when those are not yet installed? You can't install drivers for hardware that does not yet exist in the system.

But you will probably have to do my Step 1 above.

 

[Franklin_4]

Okay.... i have another dilemma guys...

I bought my computer as a premade from bestbuy, ready to boot.

About a year and a half ago my original motherboard got corrupted.

I bought a new motherboard of the same type and installed it.

It doesnt recognize me as the rightful owner of my OS.

Whenever I reboot, and after a couple hours of being on the computer I get a screen like this...

Its not that unbearable that im rushing to buy a new copies of windows considering i already paid for it...but does this mean I cannot do a clean install?

also, i really dont care if i lose all my files and stuff to be honest. how does this change my situation?

also, i cant install the drivers without having the motherboard already in??? why? cant i install them and just let them sit idly on my harddrive? im a noob sorry and thanks

 

[CBender]

No you cannot install the drivers before hand for various reasons. I believe that if you contact best buy or microsoft they would be able to give a product key to activate windows.

Building a new system upon an older installation of windows will create a lot of drivers conflicts. Something that could need intense troubleshooting. Simply avoid it.

 

[USAFRet]

Your original system from BestBuy, activated from the store. No problem. OEM license.
Motherboard broke and replaced, and it has since coughed up an Activation error.
This is to be expected.
What you should have done was call MS or BestBuy, and explain the situation. An OEM license is tied to that original motherboard. In case of an actual broken board, MS will allow reuse of that license on replacement hardware.
Living with that for 18 months? WHY? A simple phone call would have fixed that.

But now....
You are building a whole new system. (new motherboard = new system)
That original OEM license is null and void regarding this new PC.

You need to purchase a new OS to go with this new PC.
Period.

Yes, that's the way it works.

 

[Franklin_4]

That really blows.