How do i install new motherboard without having to re-do hard drive

[Shankroid]

Is there a way this can be done?
i dont want to have to re-install all of my software...

 

[sparrow18]

since when this is not possible ?
just install additional driver for your new MOBO if there's any from the given CD and you'll be on your way.

 

[GregMal]

Goto your Device Manager. Remove all system devices except for
PNP. Shut down.
Replace M/B. Start up machine.
Win9* will detect new system devices and install them.
Note: This works best when upgrading within same chipsets, like Intel
for example......Greg

 

[Slikkster]

Assuming you're using Windows 98, I'd do the following (although Greg's response works most of the time, too):

Right before swapping out motherboards, open up Regedit. Go the to key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum

Delete the Enum key entirely.

Then, shutdown Windows, power off, replace the motherboard with all your peripherals, powerup...check the bios for anything you need to set there first, then boot into Windows again.

This will ensure that Win9x will make a totally fresh update of all your devices, including new motherboard features, while NOT carrying over any potentially conflicting info from the old motherboard.

Note: Have ALL your drivers ready to reinstall after doing this, 'cuz windows will surely ask for them if they are not part of the operating system.

 

[BadThad]

Excellent Slikkster! Nice to hear from someone that knows their sh!t! LOL Why don't you enable your profile bro? That way I can rate you.

Do as he says and it will be fine!

 

[Oli]

And reboot in safe mode to remove all unused devices. I make all time because for some reason I can't install Winsh*t right from the CD and put my removable HD in another sys to do the job.

 

[fargus]

Slikkster's right on the ball, we do that all the time with our machines. Sure makes life easier. I would make one minor change... Prior to deleting the ENUM key, export it to a file... so if you change your mind, or your new mobo's DOA and you end up putting the old one back in, you can just reload the key.

 

[bulldawg]

Last week I replaced a Celeron 500/BX mobo combo with a Pro2A/Duron 750. Just to see what would happen, I shut down and swapped mobos, then rebooted and let Windows install the needed drivers. Haven`t had any problems so far. Didn`t really think it would work so easily:Q