Upgrading CPU, How do I reformat Windows without losing my data?

[PulsePanda]

Hey, I have a computer that has quite a few HDD's, and most of my games and programs are on those hdd's. My C: drive holds windows, and only a couple programs, as well as the my doc's/pics/etc. I could normally just reformat my C drive, but the problem is that I'd have to trick windows into "installing" my other games and stuff again, and that's at least 2 days of work (i've done it before).

Is there a way for me to reformat windows to make it compatable with my new CPU (AMD 4350 quad to an AMD 8350 quad) without losing any of my settings or programs and all that? Basically just "fixing windows" to make it work with my new stuff.

Normally i'd be fine with re-installing everything, but the problem is that I've got about 2 TB of programs and games alone, and my internet speed is around 2.5mbps, so the download would take the next month.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Wolfshadw]

A re-install of Windows may not be necessary if you're just upgrading the CPU. If it is, necessary, however, all programs will need to be re-installed.

-Wolf sends

 

[PulsePanda]

A re-install of Windows may not be necessary if you're just upgrading the CPU. If it is, necessary, however, all programs will need to be re-installed.

-Wolf sends

Would I only be able to know this by just testing it? Also, I heard somewhere that using the Window's Transfer function or whatever it was called would work, it'd just copy everything to an external drive, and then install windows, wipe all drives, and then restore the file? Does that sound like something?

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

Changing motherboard would require re registering windows
If the motherboard chipset was different from first one then you should re install from scratch

Oem windows does not allow changing motherboard only retail versions
( or win 8 purchased by customer but not one pre installed by maker)

Changing cpu will not require re installing windows and may not even require re- activation

Check that the motherboard and its bios support the new cpu before changing it
Check the heat sink is suitable for new CPU

Remove any over clocking before changing cpu
Probably best to reset CMOS using jumper
( with power cable disconnected or switched off at wall or psu switch)
Before restarted with new cpu

Regards
Mike Barnes

 

[RealBeast]

First back up all your data in case of problems, as Wolf says you probably won't need to re-install, Windows 7 is pretty good about updating itself when you add new gear (but if you upgrade to a different brand video card uninstall the video driver first).

If Win 7 doesn't cooperate, then I would do a repair installation like THIS, which should save all data, programs and program links.

 

[Wolfshadw]

You'll only know if you need to re-install Windows after installing the new CPU. If it fails to boot, you can try a repair. That may work, but if not, you'll need to do a re-install of the OS and all your programs. All of your installed programs have entries in the Windows Registry that tells Windows where it's installed and what settings to use. When you re-install Windows, the registry is wiped clean. This is why all programs will need to be re-installed.

-Wolf sends