Question Reusing a C: drive on a new build

[Traxan]

I've got the itch to upgrade even though it's not quite been four years and was wondering something. Would it be workable to reuse my C: drive even though I plan to switch from Intel to AMD? I know in the bad old days of XP that was absolutely a non-starter but thought maybe things are better with Windows 10. I'd really rather not spend hours downloading and installing apps if I can avoid it.

TIA.

 

[Steltek]

While a clean install is always best, there is a very strong probability that it will work just fine. Just make sure to do a complete system backup before you try it. Also, if you have installed software like Adobe that itself uses activation, make sure to also deactivate that software before the swap. Then, once the swap is complete and everything is working, you can re-activate it.

It further wouldn't be a bad idea to create a Windows install media before you do the swap so that you will be able to run a startup repair if needed.

Windows has continued to evolve its ability to handle major hardware changes over time, and Windows 10 is the best yet in this regard. If it works as expected, you'll probably want to remove the Intel chipset drivers after the swap and install the most recent AMD drivers from the AMD website. Similarly, if you upgrade your video card, you'll want to update those drivers too.

One thing to be careful of - a major hardware change like this done on a system using an OEM Windows license will usually result in activation problems that may require purchase of a new Windows license. OTOH, if you have a retail Windows license it should activate just fine provided you aren't over the activation limit.

 

[MalVeauX]

I've got the itch to upgrade even though it's not quite been four years and was wondering something. Would it be workable to reuse my C: drive even though I plan to switch from Intel to AMD? I know in the bad old days of XP that was absolutely a non-starter but thought maybe things are better with Windows 10. I'd really rather not spend hours downloading and installing apps if I can avoid it.

TIA.

It can be done. Doesn't matter if it's Intel and AMD, or just AMD to AMD. Bottom line is a new motherboard and platform will need of course new drivers and instructions. But it works. The key is to do it very simple. So the first reboot, detach everything unecessary, all peripherals except the bare minimum needed to operate the machine. Take out all extra cards, drives, etc, that are not needed for the first boot. It will boot up and be de-activated. So this is where you re-activate. Let it download what it needs to, to install for the new platform. After that and after re-activation, then plug in all your extra cards, drives, peripherals, etc.

Very best,

 

[vailr]

Check in Device Manager under "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers". If the driver there is not the default MS Standard driver, do a driver rollback prior to swapping the drive to the new motherboard. That driver switch should allow booting with the new hardware.
Another potential issue would be the motherboard bios setting of CSM: (Compatibility Support Module) enabled vs. disabled.

 

[RLGL]

Do not be surprised, back up all important info prior to the move. Also be prepared to do a fresh install at some point in the near future. I have made one move to a new board successfully and had one that required a fresh install 20 days after the migration.