Is it smart to do a fresh windows install when upgrading GPU?

[Zap]

Last time I upgraded cards was from a Radeon 6570 to 6670. I just popped it in. Windows needed to reboot after finding new hardware. Done! Didn't even install new drivers. Works great!

 

[Ketchup]

No, in fact with nVidia's all-in-one drivers and driver update utility (if you didn't choose to leave it out of your last driver installation) even a driver update is unnecessary.

And if you do need a feature your drivers don't support, downloading and installing the latest drivers gives you the option to completely wipe your old ones.

 

[Meghan54]

Yes there is reason for it.

If you had a ATI and are moving to a nVidia ... your gonna have problems cuz there is left over ati crapola on your rig. If your giong from nVidia to ATI same thing. Soo ya a format is desired.

Given you and your history, it probably is the right solution for you.

For grown ups, you know---thinking, reasoning adults---have yet to see all those mysterious problems.....like when I flopped back and forth from a 7970 to a GTX 680 and back to a 7970. No issues whatsoever......

 

[007ELmO]

Hah!

 

[nitromullet]

You can have all the installation files at hand, doesn't take long to install a few apps and games. Preferences for apps and games (ini files mostly) can be carried over. Browser profiles, including addons, can also be carried over, no need to reconfigure everything.

In theory, but I always forget something.

 

[PowerYoga]

Don't listen to these fools, you actually need to unplug everything, blow all the dust out and then replug them back in as well.

 

[Compman55]

Bit-Rot is always an issue with windows OS's and has been since its creation. Dirty codeing, sloppy uninstall software, etc, but I would not reload unless there is issues or if you feel it is just not up to speed.

Back in the days of nvida / ati with windows xp sp1 and below, often uninstalling one brand of drivers was a pain.

 

[Meghan54]

Don't listen to these fools, you actually need to unplug everything, blow all the dust out and then replug them back in as well.

You didn't go far enough. You have to completely disassemble the entire computer, removing every single component. Then wash all in 99%+ pure isopropyl alcohol, let dry overnight, reassemble, then begin the fresh install of Windows....on a new hard drive, naturally. You cannot be too sure, can you?

 

[Ketchup]

You didn't go far enough. You have to completely disassemble the entire computer, removing every single component. Then wash all in 99%+ pure isopropyl alcohol, let dry overnight, reassemble, then begin the fresh install of Windows....on a new hard drive, naturally. You cannot be too sure, can you?

Don't forgot to clear and redo the BIOS settings.

 

[007ELmO]

ketchup please, a newbie might be searching the internet and find this here thread!!

 

[Revolution 11]

You didn't go far enough. You have to completely disassemble the entire computer, removing every single component. Then wash all in 99%+ pure isopropyl alcohol, let dry overnight, reassemble, then begin the fresh install of Windows....on a new hard drive, naturally. You cannot be too sure, can you?

You forgot the most important part. What's the point of the alcohol wash if you are not doing this with a complete body suit and hair net, googles, and gloves in a sealed and temperature/humidity regulated industry-standard pre-sterilized clean room with positive pressure and sealed doors and a vented airlock entry system to prevent contamination?

And you need to make sure the alcohol is within expiration limits as well.

 

[MrWizzard]

I used to be really crazy, and do a fresh install after changing any hardware in my computer. Im about to purchase a gtx670, and upgrade from my 560ti. Is it ever really necesary or a good idea to do a complete wipe and fresh install when upgrading graphics cards?

An OS re-install because of a video card change?! That is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. Now if you were swapping out your USB mouse or keyboard I could understand but a video card. pShhh

 

[007ELmO]

i wish i could like mrwizzard post

 

[JTsyo]

I bet if you didn't even uninstall the drivers, going from a 560Ti to 670, as long as you are running the latest drivers and not something from last year, the nVidia panel would detect the new card and adjust. It's the same file that's being used for all the GTX cards. My friend went from a 560Ti 448 to a 260 (doing an EVGA step up to 670 and needs to ship the 560 out first) and didn't need to wipe the driver.

 

[Shaolinmonkk]

I have never ever reinstalled my entire OS because of a graphic driver, that is just to much playing

 

[SolMiester]

You can have all the installation files at hand, doesn't take long to install a few apps and games. Preferences for apps and games (ini files mostly) can be carried over. Browser profiles, including addons, can also be carried over, no need to reconfigure everything.

OMG, I think your serious!

 

[SolMiester]

ketchup please, a newbie might be searching the internet and find this here thread!!

:thumbsup:

 

[Leyawiin]

Going from Nvidia to Nvidia if you have the most current drivers you probably won't have to even uninstall them when you pull your old card. Windows should detect your new card and install them. If for some reason it doesn't you can install them again over the top of the ones you already have. You definitely don't need to reinstall Windows regardless what previous card you had.

 

[Meghan54]

You forgot the most important part. What's the point of the alcohol wash if you are not doing this with a complete body suit and hair net, googles, and gloves in a sealed and temperature/humidity regulated industry-standard pre-sterilized clean room with positive pressure and sealed doors and a vented airlock entry system to prevent contamination?

And you need to make sure the alcohol is within expiration limits as well.

Well, the clean room is a bit over the top, eh?

Did forget the expir. date for the alcohol, though. Thx!

 

[Kristijonas]

OP - Obsessive–compulsive disorder (weird variation) ?

 

[ElFenix]

windows is fairly robust and doesn't need reinstalled for much of anything anymore. this isn't windows 98 or even windows 2000.

 

[007ELmO]

that was not a mean enough reply elfenix

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

OP - Obsessive–compulsive disorder (weird variation) ?

as a result of things that have happened in the past - yes ive taken on a form of it for sure.

Im getting better, but even when i flash a new rom on my phone, i always do a full wipe, and even dont like using titanium backup because im scared a setting will get carried over that will screw something up.

Up until now, I usually upgrade my video card with the whole system, or when i really needed a new OS install (if windows needs it, and im thinking of buying a card soon - ill wait until the card comes in to do everything "fresh")

Yes this is definitely something that is overkill, but i usually take many precautions, so when something DOES go wrong, i can count something like that out as a reason for it.

That being said, im just gonna do it the easy way this time.... but i know im the back of my head my computer will me "dirty" in a way until i ever get around to reinstalling windows D:

 

[007ELmO]

what do you do with USB mouse