Is it possible to swap motherboards with it being stable in Windows?

[drew726]

I gave my father my old computer a while back because his 754 mobo crapped out on him but now he have gotten accustomed to using it and doesn't want to format it. I was wondering is it possible to take out the CPU/Mobo and put in another one with the same HDD, is there any possible way for it to be stable? What if I install all the drivers prior to swapping it. I just want back my GA-P35-DS3L heh

 

[Udgnim]

I've had instances of everything working properly and instances of blue screening on Windows startup (had to reformat to get rid of it)

someone with more experience might have advice on how to minimize the possibility of blue screening

 

[Rifter]

I will probably work if its the same chipset, if not good luck.

 

[dawp]

you would most likely have to remove all drivers related to the board, power down and then swap in the new one.


before doing this make sure you back up all important files he may need.

 

[tcsenter]

There is not any guarantee but it has (and hasn't) worked for me. Most recently, I swapped from ATI chipset to SIS chipset mobo, all other components the same, on XP MCE and it worked just fine. The biggest potential issue is the HAL/PC type but if you're using a relatively new mobo with APIC support like Intel P35, Windows should be running in APIC mode that will be compatible with any new mobo.

Second issue is storage controllers. This can usually be addressed by uninstalling any hardware-specific drivers and changing to in-box Windows drivers. I would suggest IDE mode for SATA in BIOS.

Uninstall drivers for all devices such as audio, LAN, modem, then disable them in BIOS or remove them before swapping.

When you first boot Windows on the new mobo, boot into Safe Mode. Let Windows automatically install new devices until you are prompted to restart. You might want to have a PS/2 mouse or keyboard handy, in case the USB controllers don't work the first time around.

 

[smackababy]

I've tried this, and I was met with freezing every couple of seconds. I uninstalled drivers and everything. I ended up having to reformat, but nonetheless, you can give it a shot.

 

[Meghan54]

In most cases, it's worked for me. Moved XP from a Socket 939 to an Intel P965 chipset motherboard/cpu and had no problems.

Moved my current Win 7 install from an X38/Q6600 to my X58 chipset/i7 cpu and had no problems or instability.

Moved my second rig's Win 7 install from a Gigabyte P965/E8200 cpu to a Gigabyte P55A-UD3/i5 750 combo and again, no problems.

Have seen others have major problems, but so far in my 15+ years, haven't had much difficulty in moving installed OS's from one computer to another.

Try it.....worst that could happen is it won't work.

 

[StrangerGuy]

Even from a relatively similar 845PE to 865PE mobo switch I have to reinstall Windows or I won't even get pass the Windows boot error screen.

 

[Auric]

Odd, XP Pro from an 865PE to H55E was fine even with the storage controller driver being ICH5 specific rather than changed to standard first.

It's generally not a problem since the absolute worst case is a repair setup (preferably with same version) which is is a doddle compared to a new installation. But as said, usually just change the storage controller and its fine but better yet is to uninstall hardware as well since easier than later when no longer present.

 

[Gillbot]

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=265026

 

[fffblackmage]

On my rig, I actually swapped out the E6320+650i mobo for an Athlon X2 240 + MSI GeForce 6150 mobo without reformatting or backing up (plug-n-play method from Gillbot's link). I certainly don't advise using this method either. I was well aware of the risk, and I was willing to take the risk.

It managed to work out fine. I was unsatisfied with the MSI's low-end mobo so I went back my to E6320+650i. Didn't encounter any problems. I got lucky.

 

[drew726]

I guess its probably not worth the trouble then especially since its not my files that is being backed up.

 

[punjabiplaya]

plug-n-pray

 

[CraigRT]

I will probably work if its the same chipset, if not good luck.

9 times out of 10, if the hardware is similar it works fine.

(I've done before too)

I've also done swaps where the hardware is totally different and DOES work, and then there are some that are just too far gone after the swap. (format)