Motherboard/CPU upgrade, Windows Question!

[Poster]

Hello LTTC -

 

I am in the process of upgrading my current rig's motherboard, CPU and GPU.  I am keeping all other components (SSD, HDD, etc).  I have not done this before without doing a complete system overhaul and am wondering if there will be any problems with just plugging everything in and downloading appropriate drivers, etc.  Will I have trouble with Windows recognizing the new components, or should I just wipe everything and go with a fresh install?

[lx_srs]

Hello LTTC -

 

I am in the process of upgrading my current rig's motherboard, CPU and GPU.  I am keeping all other components (SSD, HDD, etc).  I have not done this before without doing a complete system overhaul and am wondering if there will be any problems with just plugging everything in and downloading appropriate drivers, etc.  Will I have trouble with Windows recognizing the new components, or should I just wipe everything and go with a fresh install?

You may have to re-validate windows, but you shouldn't have to do a fresh install.

[sgloux3470]

If you're changing the motherboard, CPU and GPU then yes you have to do a fresh windows install. (Or atleast you SHOULD, it might still work without doing it.)

[EliminatingAngels]

Fresh install is recommended when doing a mobo/cpu switch, however you can try using sysprep if you REALLY don't want to. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/135077-windows-7-installation-transfer-new-computer.html

Using sysprep in windows 8 is really similar

[ForsakenLive]

I've tried it, it works but everything ends up glitching out. I'd recommend a fresh install, that will require you to validate again. You can contact Microsoft customer support for a license 'reset' which will allow the serial to attach to a new board.

[d3sl91]

Hello LTTC -

 

I am in the process of upgrading my current rig's motherboard, CPU and GPU.  I am keeping all other components (SSD, HDD, etc).  I have not done this before without doing a complete system overhaul and am wondering if there will be any problems with just plugging everything in and downloading appropriate drivers, etc.  Will I have trouble with Windows recognizing the new components, or should I just wipe everything and go with a fresh install?

What are you going from > to?

 

In most cases, as long as it's not a huge difference, windows 7+ will commonly work fine, and just need to be reactivated. However, doing a clean install down the road is not a bad idea. 

[Poster]

Thanks guys!  I will do a fresh install, as I just did one last month with my SSD anyway!