Hello Tested community. I just have a quick question about the computer motherboard. I am planning on replacing my motherboard on my computer as it is pretty bad and doesn't have any PCI express slots. I read online what to do when swapping it out and seen some videos, I was just wondering what you do after putting a new motherboard in, like do I need to have installed a cd or anything. Also, will the computer just recognize it and start working right away?
@kaoscracker: No, your computer will not work right away. Windows will probably be broken due to missing drivers, and will have to be repaired or reinstalled. Even worse, your Windows license may not work for the new motherboard (meaning Windows will refuse to install), since Microsoft considers your computer to be a different machine when you switch motherboard models. This mainly applies to OEM licenses. If you do not have an OEM copy of Windows (meaning you purchased Windows separately from the computer), then you will be able to repair or reinstall Windows, but if you do have OEM Windows (meaning you are using a Windows license that was included with your PC), then you will have to either buy a new copy of Windows or do some black magic to get your old license working (you must choose your own moral stance here).
Under Windows XP, swapping the motherboard would almost definitely require you to "repair" the installation, which is fine. I have done it many times. The process might be smoother under Vista/7, and it may or may not be required (but plan for it to be). Basically, you have to boot off of a Windows install CD and choose the "repair" option, which should preserve your user data while reinstalling the Windows components. It is always a good idea to back up your computer fully beforehand though, in case anything goes wrong.
I do not have a windows cd as it was already installed on the computer. So if I have the product keys and registration keys on hand that won't work? And thanks for your help.
@kaoscracker: Yes, there will probably be issues. You will be able to reinstall Windows, but it will most likely refuse to be activated with the new motherboard, assuming that you have an OEM license (which seems to be the case).
@kaoscracker: You sound really puzzled by this situation. I would recommend on getting someone else do it for you. Also your PC sounds kind of old now.
It is old, I figured changing the motherboard then upgrading from there would work but I guess it would be easier just waiting and building one later on
@kaoscracker: Yes, there will probably be issues. You will be able to reinstall Windows, but it will most likely refuse to be activated with the new motherboard, assuming that you have an OEM license (which seems to be the case).
Actually, I just upgraded my computer from the Core 2 Quad Q6600 to the i5 3570k and I had no problem reinstalling Windows 7 with that OEM key. Keep in mind that technically I should've purchased a new OEM key for Windows 7, but I didn't have an issue.
If you have an old system, it would be better to save for a new machine. Can you give us your system specs? And, is this a computer from an OEM vendor or is this something you or someone else built?
Depending on your current motherboard, a new motherboard will probably require a new processor, new RAM, and a new powersupply with the newer 24-pin ATX connector.
Where is this new motherboard coming from? Do you have model numbers so that we can verify everything will work ok?
Hello Tested community. I just have a quick question about the computer motherboard. I am planning on replacing my motherboard on my computer as it is pretty bad and doesn't have any PCI express slots. I read online what to do when swapping it out and seen some videos, I was just wondering what you do after putting a new motherboard in, like do I need to have installed a cd or anything. Also, will the computer just recognize it and start working right away?
@kaoscracker: No, your computer will not work right away. Windows will probably be broken due to missing drivers, and will have to be repaired or reinstalled. Even worse, your Windows license may not work for the new motherboard (meaning Windows will refuse to install), since Microsoft considers your computer to be a different machine when you switch motherboard models. This mainly applies to OEM licenses. If you do not have an OEM copy of Windows (meaning you purchased Windows separately from the computer), then you will be able to repair or reinstall Windows, but if you do have OEM Windows (meaning you are using a Windows license that was included with your PC), then you will have to either buy a new copy of Windows or do some black magic to get your old license working (you must choose your own moral stance here).
Under Windows XP, swapping the motherboard would almost definitely require you to "repair" the installation, which is fine. I have done it many times. The process might be smoother under Vista/7, and it may or may not be required (but plan for it to be). Basically, you have to boot off of a Windows install CD and choose the "repair" option, which should preserve your user data while reinstalling the Windows components. It is always a good idea to back up your computer fully beforehand though, in case anything goes wrong.
I do not have a windows cd as it was already installed on the computer. So if I have the product keys and registration keys on hand that won't work? And thanks for your help.
@kaoscracker: Yes, there will probably be issues. You will be able to reinstall Windows, but it will most likely refuse to be activated with the new motherboard, assuming that you have an OEM license (which seems to be the case).
@kaoscracker: You sound really puzzled by this situation. I would recommend on getting someone else do it for you. Also your PC sounds kind of old now.
It is old, I figured changing the motherboard then upgrading from there would work but I guess it would be easier just waiting and building one later on
@CROM said:
Actually, I just upgraded my computer from the Core 2 Quad Q6600 to the i5 3570k and I had no problem reinstalling Windows 7 with that OEM key. Keep in mind that technically I should've purchased a new OEM key for Windows 7, but I didn't have an issue.
If you have an old system, it would be better to save for a new machine. Can you give us your system specs? And, is this a computer from an OEM vendor or is this something you or someone else built?
Depending on your current motherboard, a new motherboard will probably require a new processor, new RAM, and a new powersupply with the newer 24-pin ATX connector.
Where is this new motherboard coming from? Do you have model numbers so that we can verify everything will work ok?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138345
Thats the cheap motherboard I was going to get
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Compaq+-+Presario+Desktop+-+2GB+Memory+-+500GB+Hard+Drive/1756354.p?id=1218289378591&skuId=1756354
That's my computer