Upgrading without reinstalling os?

[EclipsedChicken]

Hi all

Just recently I reinstalled my OS (Windows 7 Professional) and I plan to do some upgrades with some of my parts:

I am just wondering if I can replace any of these parts without having to reinstall my OS

Power Supply
CPU Cooler
RAM
Case


Thanks

 

[Anas Bashar]

yes you can, you do not need to reinstall the OS, although i recommend a BIOS update if you noticed anything unusual after installing the new RAMs.

 

[EclipsedChicken]

Thanks for that, my BIOS is already at the latest update. Would I need to do it again after installing new parts?

 

[Anas Bashar]

nope, no need to.
you are welcome, good luck.

 

[Deus Gladiorum]

Yes, all of those can safely be replaced without having to reinstall your OS. There's only 2 things that require a reinstallation of an OS in terms of upgrades, and that's the motherboard and the Hard Drive. If you change a hard drive, the OS has to be reinstalled for obvious reasons.

In the case of the motherboard (I'm referring to Windows here, but I doubt Linux has the same restrictions), the OS in a lot of cases detects the motherboard as the prime component. Unless you pay top dollar for a copy of Windows that isn't OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) then the moment a copy of Windows is activated on your PC it locks itself to your motherboard and becomes non-transferable. This means that the actual disk is fine and you can use it to reinstall as many times as you like, but the license code/product key you have to input with each reinstall of Windows is used up the first time it's activated and will only work with your motherboard. Again, that's just for OEM. For the more expensive copy of Windows ("full" version) such is not the case. The license key should work with any motherboard you throw onto it.

 

[EclipsedChicken]

Ok, thanks for clearing it up. Makes it much easier when I am sure of what to replace.

Thanks again!