Re-Install Windows?

[lawtonjwacker]

Simple question: My friend told me if I switch my motherboard, I need to reinstall Windows, is this true? Thanks.

[airdeano]

welcome to the Linus Tech Tips forums!

 

usually not, but kinda depends on from what motherboard to what motherboard

or system platform. since the OS is motherboard dependent, you might have to

reactivate your install. can be done by phone if you get a "non-genuine" prompt.

[boarder2k7]

There's another thread from today or yesterday floating around on this point. Lots of mixed reviews from people in it.

I've done it successfully, though I suspect some of my occasional bugs stemmed from the swap. It was two totally different boards though, not just swapping like for like on a failed one.

I think the important part is to boot to safe mode and uninstall all the drivers related to your old hardware before booting into windows with the new mobo