What should I know about swapping mobos?

[Bugal Jackson]

Planning on updating my current mobo soon. I know how to do all the connections, but software-wise, is it as easy as just re-connecting everything back on and booting the computer back up and then everythings runs normally again?

 

[Paul NZ]

If theyre different - AMD to Intel or different chipset, you'll have to reinstall windows

And you may (or will ) have to buy another version of Windows

 

[USAFRet]

Planning on updating my current mobo soon. I know how to do all the connections, but software-wise, is it as easy as just re-connecting everything back on and booting the computer back up and then everythings runs normally again?

hahahaha....no

Changing the motherboard often, but not always, requires a full reinstall of the OS.
With all that entails.

Depending on the particular Windows version and license, this may also require purchasing a whole new OS license.
(but probably not)


What hardware do you have now, what are you changing to, and which specific OS is it?

 

[Bugal Jackson]

Planning on updating my current mobo soon. I know how to do all the connections, but software-wise, is it as easy as just re-connecting everything back on and booting the computer back up and then everythings runs normally again?

hahahaha....no

Changing the motherboard often, but not always, requires a full reinstall of the OS.
With all that entails.

Depending on the particular Windows version and license, this may also require purchasing a whole new OS license.
(but probably not)


What hardware do you have now, what are you changing to, and which specific OS is it?

I have a gigabyte B150 DS3H mobo atm and am upgrading to a gigabyte z170x ud3 ultra. Currently have windows 8.1.
I've already made sure it has everything I need including chipset so that isn't the concern here.

 

[USAFRet]

Planning on updating my current mobo soon. I know how to do all the connections, but software-wise, is it as easy as just re-connecting everything back on and booting the computer back up and then everythings runs normally again?

hahahaha....no

Changing the motherboard often, but not always, requires a full reinstall of the OS.
With all that entails.

Depending on the particular Windows version and license, this may also require purchasing a whole new OS license.
(but probably not)


What hardware do you have now, what are you changing to, and which specific OS is it?

I have a gigabyte B150 DS3H mobo atm and am upgrading to a gigabyte z170x ud3 ultra. Currently have windows 8.1.
I've already made sure it has everything I need including chipset so that isn't the concern here.

Again...swapping hardware like that and expecting it to 'just work' often does not happen.

Either it boots up or it doesn't.
Prepare for if it requires a full reinstall.

 

[Bugal Jackson]

Planning on updating my current mobo soon. I know how to do all the connections, but software-wise, is it as easy as just re-connecting everything back on and booting the computer back up and then everythings runs normally again?

hahahaha....no

Changing the motherboard often, but not always, requires a full reinstall of the OS.
With all that entails.

Depending on the particular Windows version and license, this may also require purchasing a whole new OS license.
(but probably not)


What hardware do you have now, what are you changing to, and which specific OS is it?

I have a gigabyte B150 DS3H mobo atm and am upgrading to a gigabyte z170x ud3 ultra. Currently have windows 8.1.
I've already made sure it has everything I need including chipset so that isn't the concern here.

Again...swapping hardware like that and expecting it to 'just work' often does not happen.

Either it boots up or it doesn't.
Prepare for if it requires a full reinstall.

I'm fine with that.
But I'm wondering about stuff like re-installing various drivers for usb devices, graphics card etc., or programs once I'm back in the OS.
I still have my windows 8.1 disc, would I just have to stick it in the drive and install or possibly have to buy a new OS?

 

[USAFRet]

I'm fine with that.
But I'm wondering about stuff like re-installing various drivers for usb devices, graphics card etc., or programs once I'm back in the OS.
I still have my windows 8.1 disc, would I just have to stick it in the drive and install or possibly have to buy a new OS?

You'd be starting out with a bare OS, just like when the system was brand new.
Drivers for everything, all your applications, etc, etc.

Having to buy a new OS is a maybe.
If you currently have an OEM license (where did this 8.1 come from?), then probably you need a new one for the new hardware.
If you have an actual Retail license, then it should be usable with the new hardware. Note: "Retail" does not mean "I bought it at the store"

 

[Bugal Jackson]

I'm fine with that.
But I'm wondering about stuff like re-installing various drivers for usb devices, graphics card etc., or programs once I'm back in the OS.
I still have my windows 8.1 disc, would I just have to stick it in the drive and install or possibly have to buy a new OS?

You'd be starting out with a bare OS, just like when the system was brand new.
Drivers for everything, all your applications, etc, etc.

Having to buy a new OS is a maybe.
If you currently have an OEM license (where did this 8.1 come from?), then probably you need a new one for the new hardware.
If you have an actual Retail license, then it should be usable with the new hardware. Note: "Retail" does not mean "I bought it at the store"

Got it from amazon, just checked and it's a System Builder disc. Which is the non-resusable one, right?

 

[USAFRet]

Got it from amazon, just checked and it's a System Builder disc. Which is the non-resusable one, right?

Unsure. MS was always very fuzzy on that System Builder thing.
Try it.
If it works, great.
If it doesn't, call and try to do it via the phone robot.
If that fails, call MS, talk to a human, and plead your case.
If they disallow it, then you are no worse off than not trying it at all.

 

[Bugal Jackson]

Ok I should be getting the new mobo today. Anything I should say if I end up having to call a human?

 

[USAFRet]

Ok I should be getting the new mobo today. Anything I should say if I end up having to call a human?

"My old motherboard broke and I had to replace it."