What to do when getting a new motherboard?

[brandonmaza]

So I am getting a new mobo which is a real upgrade from my old fm2 socket mobo. Its an asrock z170 pro4s and I plan to put an i5 6600k in it and my old 1tb HDD from my old computer in it. I heard that you can't just put in an old HDD in a new mobo from a different computer and mobo type. I want to put all the things on HDD to my new mobo because I don't want to have to start from scratch so I need to know how? Also since my old computer came with windows10 preinstalled I have to buy a whole new windows 10 which was completely unexpected so I need to know how that's gonna effect my mobo since I'm using a different windows 10? Also if someone can tell me about how to set up this mobo like what wires go where and etc i'll be very grateful.

 

[Math Geek]

you should not have to get a new iwn 10 key. log into your MS account (or create one if you don't have one) this will tie the key to your account and not the pc. then when you get the new motherboard working, windows will just reactivate on the new motherboard. MS rolled this out in the anniversary update.

as for saving all your stuff, it may or may not be possible. in the past, a fresh install of windows was needed to get the new motherboard working. but you may be able to reinstall windows to the drive and select "save programs and settings" during install. with win 10 it looks like this will get it configured where it needs to be without the need to start over completely. but this is not confirmed by anyone at all that i know of and i have not had a reason to test it out myself.

be prepared to do a fresh install with the new motherboard if it will not boot to your old installation. most likely you will need to but it is possible you may not have to. back up any data you need to keep in case something goes wrong like always. but know that a fresh install of windows is a strong possibility as it always has been.

 

[notlim981]

Here's how to release the Windows 10 key from your old pc so you can use it in the new one:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/35979-product-key-uninstall-deactivate-windows-10-a.html#post720129