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My computer is a custom-built machine, and I want to upgrade the motherboard, processor and RAM. I am running Windows 7 Pro on a volume license.

After I upgrade the motherboard, I want to use my same hard drive and don't want to reinstall everything.

But I am changing from an Asus motherboard to an MSI motherboard. My HDD has drivers on it for the Asus. After I change the motherboards and use the same HDD, will it still boot? I don't want to reinstall Windows.

(This is sort of part two to my other question)

bgmCoder
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  • As long as both motherboards use the same interface (IDE, SATA, etc) then yes you can just swap them. Of course if you had anything installed specific to the old motherboard then it won't work. – Eric F Mar 16 '18 at 18:43
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    You may have to boot into safe mode, and/or provide the installation media, to get any board-specific drivers loaded the first time. – Jeff Zeitlin Mar 16 '18 at 18:44
  • Safe Mode would boot without problem, then? – bgmCoder Mar 16 '18 at 18:47
  • If you are changing CPU manufacturer there might be a problem also. I.e. Intel / AMD. All of this is correctable in various ways after the motherboard is changed. – Appleoddity Mar 16 '18 at 19:11
  • Actually, I am still using an Intel processor, although upgrading from a 2nd gen to an 8th gen. – bgmCoder Mar 16 '18 at 19:21
  • You should also consider licensing limitations. OEM Windows systems are limited to a motherboard. (Legally, not necessarily in code) – davidgo Mar 16 '18 at 19:25
  • I linked to my other question with regards to the operating system. – bgmCoder Mar 16 '18 at 20:04
  • I think it won't work, however there is a chance that Windows will use default drivers. The only way to confirm here is just try! – batistuta09 Mar 17 '18 at 07:40
  • Well, if it works, everybody has to upvote my question! – bgmCoder Mar 17 '18 at 14:52
  • It worked like a charm! Somebody please post an answer so I can accept it (I hate answering my own questions). – bgmCoder Mar 19 '18 at 02:21
  • http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/135077-windows-7-installation-transfer-new-computer.html – Moab Apr 05 '18 at 23:00

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