Easiest way to change motherboard?

[DO97]

What's the easiest way to change a motherboard and get Windows back up and running like I used to? I got windows on a partition by itself but I don't want to lose my file associations and shortcuts and what not. Could I just reinstall windows without formatting my c: drive? Would Windows set itself up for the new motherboard automatically (in terms of the devices on the board, not sound cards etc...)? Thanks.

dave

 

[mastertech01]

You can try this, it has worked for me..go into device manager and delete all your devices that you have to add drivers for...then when it asks you to reboot click ok, but after it starts the reboot shut down your system...swapout motherboards and I would just install the video card at that point. Boot to Bios, auto detect the HDD, set up your bios parameters, save and reboot with boot disk...at the A prompt type "sys c:" after it says files transfered and A prompt returns type "fdisk/mbr" then when A prompt returns reboot without the boot disk inserted and you should start windows and the process of autodetection will then start and you can then once windows goes to desktop, shut down and install your other cards and devices...hope this helps

 

[DO97]

Thanks for the tips.

But, what does the "sys c:" command do? Also, why would I want to fdisk my master boot record?

dave

 

[mastertech01]

sys C: transfers the system files and Fdisk MBR removes corrupted boot records caused by the swap... I know that this works but Im a master auto technician not master computer geek..just know it works from experience and great advice I have recieved over the past couple years working the computer tech board at E-bay..

 

[yata]

you can just switch the motherboard. it'll give you many error messages when Windows boot up, but all will be fine. let Windows do what it can, and then you can install the drivers afterwards. your HD can stay as it is.

 

[greg]

REPOST:

Q: As a reseller we are often asked to upgrade someones motherboard. Sometimes it is a breeze and other times the only hope seems to reinstall Windows from scratch. Am I missing someting? Does anyone know of a site that has a FAQ on MB swapping or lobotomys ??
I thought a site like this might have people who try this all the time!
thanks

A: This procedure works most of the time, but always backup whats important:
Open registry editor
open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
highlight the ENUM key and delete it

It will remove everything windows knows about your hardware. Reboot, it will say your display adapter is not configured properly. Click OK, run through add new hardware wizard.

It will reboot alot, and after its done load video/sound/modem drivers.

 

[DO97]

Thanks greg, that sounds like exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks to everyone for the help.

dave

 

[hoolf]

What would happen if I were to take out my ABit BM6 and replace it with an ASUS P3B-f (Legacy configuration)? The slots are identical, and if I put the cards into the same slots would I still have to reload all card drivers? I'm wondering if I could not just bring it up with "no muss no fuss".

Thanks,

Steve