Help Upgrading Motherboard

[JoshK]

Im wanting to upgrade my MOBO from the Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H to the Asus Maximus VI Formula. I have a WD Caviar Blue 1tb with all of my data on it. What do I have to do while upgrading my motherboard? Do I have to do a fresh install? Thank you!

[ces160]

I don't believe you "Have" to do a fresh install. However, I would recommend it as your current version of windows has installed drivers that may be specific for your current motherboard.

From past experience (I went form a P8Z68M-Pro to a P8Z68 Deluxe Gen 3), I was able to boot and use it for a while but it was very unstable and blue screened all of the time. A fresh OS install fixed it all up. 

 

-ces160

[JoshK]

I don't believe you "Have" to do a fresh install. However, I would recommend it as your current version of windows has installed drivers that may be specific for your current motherboard.

From past experience (I went form a P8Z68M-Pro to a P8Z68 Deluxe Gen 3), I was able to boot and use it for a while but it was very unstable and blue screened all of the time. A fresh OS install fixed it all up. 

 

-ces160

How do I go about doing a fresh install? Will I lose all of my stuff? Sorry Im a noob Ive only built one computer.

[ces160]

If you have a spare HDD or a USB HDD you will need to back up all of your data, My Documents, My Pics, My Music ect. Any data that is not part of a program. 

Also don't forget to back up your save games (they may be in the games directory).

Once every thing is backed up and safe (remove the HDD or USB HDD), put in you windows install disc and restart (you will have to change your boot order to the disc drive if it is not already selected). 

 

Follow the instructions until  you get to screen where you need to select a disc to install to. This is the point of no return, DO NOT CONTINUE IF YOU HAVE NOT BACKED UP YOUR DATA.

 

****If you continue your drive will be wiped and you will loose everything that is not backed up on another drive******

 

Select the drive you want to install to and click the format button function at the bottom. 

Once formatted, continue with the install.

 

Please take care, I would recommend looking on line for a good step by step guide. I have just outlined the basics. 

 

Once the install is complete, install of of your new drivers from the motherboards manufactures website. 

 

Power off your PC connect up your HDD or USB HDD, power up and COPY all of your data to where ever you want to put it, it is a good idea to keep the back up just in case (You never know when you might need it, right?).

 

Good Luck

 

-ces160