Windows won't boot after Motherboard/CPU/RAM change

[Shmiggles]

This is a follow up to my last question

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/383952-31-video-signal

Basically I had to stop in trying to fix that problem because I found that Windows wouldn't boot. It said I needed to insert the disk and repair the install, however I didn't have it anymore. I had to hunt another up and buy it.

Now I have booted from the disk and tried to repair the install twice. The first time it just didn't work, the second time it said this is a problem that cannot be fixed by the automatic repair.

I am running Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit OEM.

What I am wondering is, is there any way to get the system to boot again without losing all my files? Do I have to add a new hard drive and install Windows to that? What about upgrading to Windows 7 Ultimate? Can I reinstall Windows Vista Ultimate without losing all my programs? Will reinstalling Windows even work?

 

[burritobob]

If you changed your motherboard that's why, windows saves onto your motherboard in a way, you will need a new copy of windows for it to boot once more.

 

[ss202sl]

"I had to hunt another up and buy it."

Does this mean you purchased a new copy of Windows? You should be able to do a clean install - this will wipe out all your data and applications.

 

[Shmiggles]

I purchased another copy of the disk. But not a full copy of windows no.

 

[tiny voices]

You need a new copy of windows. With a new CD key.

 

[Shmiggles]

Would I be able to install it without losing my stuff then? Can I do an upgrade install without actually being able to boot windows?

 

[tiny voices]

No, you have to do a fresh install. Make a partition on the HDD for the new install. The old files will be accessible but all programs and apps will need to be reinstalled.

 

[Shmiggles]

I see. Would I be able to request a new product key from windows even though I used the OEM version? Or is my only choice to buy the new Windows?

As for a new partition, how would I go about making one? Don't know how to without being able to boot, but I certainly have the space.

 

[tiny voices]

Microsoft might give you a new key. They will deactivate the old key though, if they give you a new one. You create the partition on the drive when you install windows. Just partition off the old files. (is they are 89gb then give them a 90gb partition). Install windows on the new empty partition.

 

[Shmiggles]

Best answer selected by Shmiggles.

 

[Shmiggles]

I only see the option to install to the drive or format the drive when installing windows. How exactly do you create a new partition? Don't want to accidentally destroy my old files.

 

[smeezekitty]

I don't think it is a product key issue. I swapped out the motherboard and windows booted fine although I initially had some driver problems.

Later it prompted for activation but I tried online and it worked.

Sounds like a major driver issue. Probably need to reinstall fresh.

 

[Aramis de Vannes]

No, you have to do a fresh install. Make a partition on the HDD for the new install. The old files will be accessible but all programs and apps will need to be reinstalled.

That is NOT true. There is a way to fix the issue without having to reinstall Windows. Check this link: http://www.dowdandassociates.com/content/howto-repair-windows-7-install-after-replacing-motherboard/

 

[Ron Jarosch]

I had the same problem which brought me to this thread. The PC in question for me is an HTPC with no important data so I opted for a fresh install. After installation including entering the validation code included with the discs, I loaded various drivers and software and to my surprise, all of my data was still on the drive! My version of Windows is the Win 7 Family Pack Upgrade.

It's probably harder for OEM PC owners because the restore discs are images rather than install discs.