Solved Upgrading Motherboard and CPU with Window 8.1

anerickso

New Member
Messages
4
Hello,
I am having a hard time getting a clear idea of what to expect when I change out my motherboard and cpu. I currently have a M5A99FX Pro 2.0 (AM3+) with a FX 8320 processor. I bought the full version of Windows 8.1 and installed the 64 bit version on my computer. I still have the install disc and product key. I am going to install the MSi z97 Gaming 5 with an Intel i5 4690k processor. I want to have access to everything that is currently on my HDD, my games, certain programs, and Word. What is the best way to transition? I have read about re-installations and re-activations, but how do these processes impact my data and my access to this data? What should I do before I shut down the computer and put in the new mobo/cpu? What should I do when I turn the computer back on with everything installed and the old HDD plugged into the mobo? A thorough answer would be much appreciated. Thank you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit Full Version
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX-8320
    Motherboard
    Asus M5A99FX Pro R2.0
    Memory
    8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus GTX 770 2GB
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB HDD
    Case
    Rosewill Challenger ATX Mid
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 EVO
There are a few issues you are going to face..
One is the hdd has all the machine specific info, hardware id's and the such.
There is also a chance that the system will lock you out, once the mobo change happens.. Backup your Data before playing with hdd data and info
This info should be cleared from windows by using this command when you shut down - > Sysprep /generalize /shutdown

Another issue will be activation - since the activation is based on hardware - you change your hardware - your activation will fail..
You will have to activate by phone and let them know you change out a dead MOBO and receive an activation code.

As far as other software activations or licensing - some yes and some no..

But all in all, you should pretty much be able to keep your data..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 3.1 > Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8700
    CPU
    I7
    Memory
    24 GB
What should I do when I turn the computer back on with everything installed and the old HDD plugged into the mobo
backup any data thats important to.

its been awhile since I did something like you are doing , I did not change hardware ,just a hdd that I took from another [different ]tower also had win8.1 on it, it worked for me ,but I really don't remember what issues I had if any ,but I do not remember having to call to reactivate activate though
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
There are a few issues you are going to face..
One is the hdd has all the machine specific info, hardware id's and the such.
There is also a chance that the system will lock you out, once the mobo change happens.. Backup your Data before playing with hdd data and info
This info should be cleared from windows by using this command when you shut down - > Sysprep /generalize /shutdown

Another issue will be activation - since the activation is based on hardware - you change your hardware - your activation will fail..
You will have to activate by phone and let them know you change out a dead MOBO and receive an activation code.

As far as other software activations or licensing - some yes and some no..

But all in all, you should pretty much be able to keep your data..

I spoke to a Microsoft representative today. He didn't appear very knowledgable and said that I might have to reactivate, which would only involve calling Microsoft. He said that would be the only possible issue. He didn't mention machine specific info or anything about drivers.

Can you clarify about the machine specific info on the HDD? How do I enter in that command? Is there anything else I need to do after I enter it?

Also, what do you know about drivers? Should I uninstall drivers before making the switch? If so, which ones? Your help is much appreciated, thank you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit Full Version
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX-8320
    Motherboard
    Asus M5A99FX Pro R2.0
    Memory
    8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus GTX 770 2GB
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB HDD
    Case
    Rosewill Challenger ATX Mid
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 EVO
What should I do when I turn the computer back on with everything installed and the old HDD plugged into the mobo
backup any data thats important to.

its been awhile since I did something like you are doing , I did not change hardware ,just a hdd that I took from another [different ]tower also had win8.1 on it, it worked for me ,but I really don't remember what issues I had if any ,but I do not remember having to call to reactivate activate though

Thanks for your response. This gives support to the possibility that there won't really be any issues. I have heard that Windows 8.1 makes these transitions easy.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit Full Version
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX-8320
    Motherboard
    Asus M5A99FX Pro R2.0
    Memory
    8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus GTX 770 2GB
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB HDD
    Case
    Rosewill Challenger ATX Mid
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 EVO
What should I do when I turn the computer back on with everything installed and the old HDD plugged into the mobo
backup any data thats important to.

its been awhile since I did something like you are doing , I did not change hardware ,just a hdd that I took from another [different ]tower also had win8.1 on it, it worked for me ,but I really don't remember what issues I had if any ,but I do not remember having to call to reactivate activate though

I have heard that Windows 8.1 makes these transitions easy.

I was surprised it went so well actually
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
If you do move your hard drive to the new system, Windows 8.1 should install all the device drivers for the new system, however, you will have to reactivate Windows, due to its a different motherboard.

I've done this before, and this is what I've experienced. Transitioning Windows 8.1 from one machine to another is not an easy task. Windows 8.1 is currently configured to your AMD machine, and is configured to be optimized for that machine. I moved a hard drive and the processor to a new intel motherboard, and Windows 8.1 installed all the device drivers for the computer, but it had a few troubles with the boot configuration, power configuration, and the overall performance of the computer was very poor. I ended up Refreshing the PC, as it will keep all her files, but uninstall all programs, and return Windows to factory defaults like a fresh installation. I had to reactivate Windows, but it ran fine after the Refresh.

When I get a new machine, I always just install a clean copy of Windows and reinstall all my programs, and if I want my data transferred to the new computer, i'll just do a manual transfer, or restore the files from the file history from the other computer.

Hope this helps.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.40 ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5K PRO
    Memory
    2 GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    PNY NVIDIA Geforce GT 630
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
If you do move your hard drive to the new system, Windows 8.1 should install all the device drivers for the new system, however, you will have to reactivate Windows, due to its a different motherboard.

I've done this before, and this is what I've experienced. Transitioning Windows 8.1 from one machine to another is not an easy task. Windows 8.1 is currently configured to your AMD machine, and is configured to be optimized for that machine. I moved a hard drive and the processor to a new intel motherboard, and Windows 8.1 installed all the device drivers for the computer, but it had a few troubles with the boot configuration, power configuration, and the overall performance of the computer was very poor. I ended up Refreshing the PC, as it will keep all her files, but uninstall all programs, and return Windows to factory defaults like a fresh installation. I had to reactivate Windows, but it ran fine after the Refresh.

When I get a new machine, I always just install a clean copy of Windows and reinstall all my programs, and if I want my data transferred to the new computer, i'll just do a manual transfer, or restore the files from the file history from the other computer.

Hope this helps.

Great thank you for sharing. I have been waiting to hear something like this. This is has been my fear, that the operating system will have poor performance without a refresh. I am going to start preparing for a refresh and accept that I will have to just re-install everything. I don't want anything disrupting the performance, performance is why I'm getting a new processor! Thanks again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit Full Version
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX-8320
    Motherboard
    Asus M5A99FX Pro R2.0
    Memory
    8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus GTX 770 2GB
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB HDD
    Case
    Rosewill Challenger ATX Mid
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 EVO
You're welcome. I had done this with my wife's computer, and it was not a fun process.

Good Luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.40 ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5K PRO
    Memory
    2 GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    PNY NVIDIA Geforce GT 630
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Back
Top