I had just did a clean installed Windows 7 into my computer last month. Then, I saw a special at Fry's last week for a I3/mobo combo. My question is: Can I change the cpu/mobo without re-installing Windows 7? I have tried googling it .. and it pops up with all different type of replies. Some said no you cant because the old installed wont' have the driver for the new motherboard and wont talk to it. But, some said you can. Any ideas? thanks,
Sounds about right, but you never know, windows 7 could automatically detect the new drivers. It won't hurt to try to start up without reinstalling windows, but I would back up whatever I need first.
I don't think it matters. The OS is on the hard drive. When I've switched my CPU and motherboard in the past, I didn't have to reinstall. Of course I'm not sure about Windows 7 though, but I imagine it to be the same. Like was already said though, make sure you back everything up.
The operating system is on your hard drive. Changing the CPU/motherboard won't change it. However, the operating system will detect new devices (like your ethernet adapter, or whatever else might be different on your new board), but Windows 7 is usually pretty good about having those drivers already. The fact that you're asking me this question leads me to believe you've never installed a CPU/motherboard before. There is much to worry about when installing them: - Heatsink for the CPU and its contact with the CPU's die. - Form factor of the motherboard and size of your case. - Power supply compatibility. - Memory compatibility. - Are your i/o devices IDE or all SATA? Will the new motherboard have what you need? - Etc. The motherboard is easily the most taxing component to replace. Often, you'll need to replace other things too, not just the CPU, if you replace the motherboard, especially if your current system is 2+ years old.
Chances are, even if you do manage to get it to work, it will never work as well as if you do a clean install again. The problem is, yeah the OS is on the disk, but the OS has to communicate with the BIOS on the mb in order to make the rest of the computer do what it thinks it is trying to make it do, and that happens through the BIOS, and when you change mb's, the bios is completely different. Just do a clean install again, you'll be happier.
Most likely when you change your mobo you will have to re-activate your copy Windows because it creates a unique key based on your hardware. Personally, I would reinstall.
If you change your motherboard you OS will not boot up. What you can try to do is let it boot up from the CD rom with Windows 7 and hopefully it will let you do a fix to Windows 7.
