Replacing mb for same mb

[elzmaddy]

Okay, quick question: If you were to replace your motherboard with another one of the same model, and plug in every card and cable the exact same way, would Windows notice? If the boards are identical, I don't see how it would have a problem.

 

[MDE]

Mine didn't notice a thing. Had to RMA it back to Asus and got it back today, plugged everything in and I was up and running in 20 minutes.

 

[fell8]

Unless motherboards have started to come with electronic serial numbers, there would be no way for the OS to tell the diff. Unless the MB is a newer revision utilizing different components or layout.

 

[Corporate Thug]

just plug it in and you'll be fine

 

[redbeard1]

It must depend on some variable. I installed a warranty board in a system that was the identical replacement, and xp had to register itself again.

 

[boomerang]

I've had it happen both ways for me.

Sometimes Windows doesn't even notice or care, and others it redetects every device that's motherboard related. No problem with add-in cards and drives though.

Same revision number in these cases.