Help with a motherboard conflict.

[K20206]

Hi im planning on getting a new motherboard soon along with some other new components to upgrade my current PC. I was wondering that when I get this new motherboard would I need to format my current harddrive which has the drivers for my current motherboard or I don't need to worry and just connect it to the new motherboard with the other ones drivers. Would there be a conflict between the two motherboard drivers? The main reason I worry is because I dont want to spend another $200 on a windows 7 key for when I format the HDD.

 

[SolMiester]

I used to swap motherboards out all the time, and keep the O/S in tact...The idea in to first generalise the devices in the device manager which make up the computer....instead of bespoke hardware drivers, use the Microsoft genral drivers if you get what I mean....
I wouldnt try it going between AMD & Intel, or if you have a raid array, but usually its worked ok....

If you do have to re-install, I dont know why you think you would need another W7 key?, just use the same one....

 

[karalmarks]

I would recommend a re-install of your OS. That way you have fresh drivers. When I installed my sabertooth z77 and my i7 3770k, I tried to keep my formatted HD, but it failed because the drivers didnt match.

If you have an OEM version of your operating system then you dont need to buy another key, just call windows, follow the steps and they will allow access, unless of course you "borrowed" one from the internet. If you bought it from a store and have a retail version then using your old key is fine, you should not need to buy another key. Calling in is a pain sometimes but worth it if you have OEM and don't wish to spend more $XXX.

It is a pain in the butt to re-install everything, I know, but trust me your machine will perform better making you a happier person! good luck.

 

[K20206]

Ok thank you, I guess ill just to format my hard drive since im basically building a new rig and just keeping the hard drive, its probably better to start fresh.

 

[TriStarGod]

Please reply back if you're able to successfully reinstall your OS. Your results would mean I can reuse my dead computer's serial for my new build. I always thought that the Windows 7 setup automatically registered the motherboard's and/or hard drive's serial. If it doesn't then that would mean they must just monitor the number of activations.

 

[K20206]

I won't get the parts till the end of the year, I just wanted to make sure if I would need to format the hard drive or not but if I remember to post back the results here by then, then I will if need be.