Swapping out mobo without Windows reinstall.

[simonpreston]

So I've got a G31 based motherboard to replace my 945 based one. Not done this for a while so just wondering if there's anything I need to do with Windows before I swap them over? Or, as they're both Intel based, will I be able to just do it with no fuss?

[kalniel]

Both being Intel based means nothing, as they are different chipsets. What version of Windows is it? Also, is it OEM, system builder or retail?

[simonpreston]

Windows 7 Pro x64 Retail.

Tbh, they've sent me a complete different board to what was advertised. Some Foxconn mobo. It's socket 775 at least, but I can't seem to tell much beyond that as there seems to be no noticeable model number, nor can I get it into BIOS despite trying 2 different cpu's and 2 types of RAM.

edit:
Finally found out what model it is. It's a Foxconn G31MV-K Motherboard... well... I thought it was, but the pictures on the net don't match what my board looks like. The model number is MCP73M04.

Further research suggests it has a NVidia chipset. Back it goes.

[carvedeye]

Unless it is the same board a fresh install of windows will be needed.

[rustedzeke]

Unless it is the same board a fresh install of windows will be needed.

This is true, it's extremely frustrating but Microsoft class a new motherboard as a new computer. You will have to purchase a new copy of the OS. Maybe wait for Windows 8 for it to seem more worthwhile?

[dangel]

This is true, it's extremely frustrating but Microsoft class a new motherboard as a new computer. You will have to purchase a new copy of the OS. Maybe wait for Windows 8 for it to seem more worthwhile?

He said it's was retail so license wise that isn't true - it's transferable. And even on OEM versions you can always ring them up and explain you had a mb failure and they'll normally let you reactivate. OEM copies are in theory tied to hardware but MS are actually pretty good about it regardless.

As to whether it'll work - these days mostly - although it's usually best to uninstall as many drivers as possible before doing it. Safe mode can always be used to 'get in' to a non booting system (usually) but if it physically won't load windows at all try using startup repair from the installation DVD (and you may need to repeat this 2-3 times before it does).

[Agent]

Going from an Intel board to another Intel board is rarely an issue, I've done it more times than I can remember when replacing faulty motherboards for people.

It's when you go from AMD <> Intel that issues are normally encountered.

Each device has it's own internal ID that windows will look at when booting. If the device ID changes, it'll request a new driver if the current once can't be used. I've never seen an instance where Windows had loaded the 'wrong' driver for a product on any system since XP, as Windows will default to not using a driver unless the matching (usually) .inf file explicitly states that it can be used.

Changing mobo really is simple:

Uninstall any drivers through control panel that you can - this will help turn off services and any applications that may be running in the background.
Go to device manager. Uninstall everything to be safe (right click -> uninstall) and click 'delete this driver' if you really want to.
Power down.
Install new mobo.
Make sure the major settings are correct and match the old board. For example, if you were not using AHCI on your last board, do not turn it on for the new one. There are hardly any BIOS issues these days apart from AHCI that will cause issues though.
Boot in safe mode - This will ensure that Windows is using as many of it's default drivers as possible. Safe mode will still pick up major hardware changes.
Some people install drivers now, I usually boot into Windows normally and then install them. Your call.

I've not had the above fail on me once. The reinstalling of Windows on a mobo change is mostly legacy from the Windows 9x days IME.
Vista and 7 also has brilliant recovery tools, so even if it doesn't work, boot the recovery from the DVD and repair the install. Chances are it will work fine.

Don't underestimate how good Windows Vista and 7 are when it comes to driver changes these days. The OS manages them very well.

Let us know how it goes

[pkx3ni]

the way i would is similar to above but easier. Search for sysprep in the systen32 folder and run the exe. Go for the out of the box experience and tick genrelize. Let it finish and turn off and swap mobos. On reboot you windows install will reload generic drivers as it would on a fresh install, leaving you to update and install the proper drivers as needed. No personal file are touched just base drivers!

[Agent]

the way i would is similar to above but easier. Search for sysprep in the systen32 folder and run the exe. Go for the out of the box experience and tick genrelize. Let it finish and turn off and swap mobos. On reboot you windows install will reload generic drivers as it would on a fresh install, leaving you to update and install the proper drivers as needed. No personal file are touched just base drivers!

Bingo!

This never worked for me properly on Vista, but it looks like Windows 7 has it working again. Awesome and thanks

[simonpreston]

Excellent idea. Can't believe I hadn't thought about that.

Cheers to all in this thread.

[brookheather]

Very useful tip using sysprep - previously I've run a Windows in-place upgrade and then swapped the motherboards when it reboots but I guess this is a quicker way of doing the same thing. I assume you would still need to re-activate Windows after the motherboard swap?

[Pob255]

Yes use sysprep it works wonders on windows7
I'm loving it so far, at work I've now made a standard win7 image, that's got all the additional software on it, so far I've used the same image on, h61 + i3, G41 + c2d, old celeron laptop (cannot remember chipset of hand), 2 different AMD laptops

Windows XP can be a real pig when swapping motherboard, even going intel to intel because it has the nasty habit of squirrelling away drivers, even if you uninstall them, then automatically trying to reuse them even if you install new ones.

[simonpreston]

I've used sysprep via OOBE to make custom Windows 7 setup DVD's. Very nice to install Windows 7 and have all your handy little antivirus, system tools and features you like already there for you. Plus I can use it on any rig I make.