change of mobo same cpu

[bde]

Hi, i recently decided to change the case of my computer, and i realized the new case takes a micro ATX ... my problem is that i cant afford formating my HD, now if I buy a micro mobo with the same chipset as the previous mobo would i still have to format?
in another words what can i do to not to have to reformat my HD?

 

[jkresh]

depends on what OS you have but generally you can swap boards without reformatting (as long as you dont switch cpu type, ie intel to amd or maybe pentium D to core 2). There are instructions in a post somewhere on this forum for suggestions as to what to do before swapping boards (generally involves removing chipset drivers), but if you are keeping the same chipset you should be fine. (Backup before doing it, and try using windows recovery options if it wont boot).

 

[OdiN]

What do you mean you can't afford formatting? Formatting doesn't exactly cost anything.

If the boards use the same chipset, you can likely swap them - also they need to use the same IDE controllers. The IDE controllers are usually the cause of most problems.

 

[shabby]

Switch to the standard ide controller before doing the swap.

 

[bendixG15]

Originally posted by: OdiN
What do you mean you can't afford formatting? Formatting doesn't exactly cost anything.

If the boards use the same chipset, you can likely swap them - also they need to use the same IDE controllers. The IDE controllers are usually the cause of most problems.

I would guess that he "can't afford formating" because he doesn't own an OS that he can install after the format...... Just guessing, perhaps he'll reply.

 

[jkresh]

he could simply mean that he cant afford the time it would take to reinstall the os and all his programs and get the setting done correctly.

 

[Roguestar]

If you don't want to reformat, download (but don't install) all the new drivers and other utilities you'll need for the new board in advance, remove everything remotely resembling drivers via Add/Remove Programs and swap the boards out and install the new drivers.

Worked for a friend of mine going from AXP 2000+ to A64 3000+ with a motherboard change (obviously).

 

[JackMDS]

OP the answer to your question is that the change of a Motherboard under this circumstances is a "crap shot".

If you post the exact model of the original Mob and the new one, some one would be able to tell.

 

[AmberClad]

I have done this a few times without too much trouble. The most recent was: G945 + GeForce 6800 --> G965 + GeForce 8800. The old Windows installation booted up just fine, but Microsoft being Microsoft asked me to reactivate Windows .

That sort of a switch probably would have been more problematic if say, I switched to a AMD + AMD combo, instead of simply another Intel + Nvidia combo.

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: OdiN
What do you mean you can't afford formatting? Formatting doesn't exactly cost anything.

Except lots of time - the preparation in backing up and related stress of possibly losing something valuable. Of course the stress can be alleviated if there has been an ongoing backup plan in place. The actual formating nowadays is seconds. The reloading time for everything can vary from hours to days.

 

[Old Hippie]

Of course the stress can be alleviated if there has been an ongoing backup plan in place.

Budweiser + Acronis FTW!