New mobo, old ssd

Jenkinio

Jenkinio

Jenkinio

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21 Feb 2011
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After recently building my first PC I've just bought some new kit to build no.2.

I'll be taking the optical drive and ssd from my existing rig and was wondering if the latter will work with the new mobo? Will Windows even start up or will I need a reinstall?

All guidance welcome on how to go about getting the ssd ready for the new rig.

The SSD is from a gaming rig that I keep very 'streamlined' with very little on it, so it's not a massive ballache if I need to reinstall programmes again. I want to avoid having to reload some large game clients though.

Thx
 
Fresh install is always recommended, but it`s not something I have always done. what are the two mobos in question?
 
depends on the windows version. Windows 7/8 is pretty good at running with new hardware, XP blows. But if it was a OEM copy then it won't activate again. Retail will be fine.

But I would do a reinstall if you can.
 
R088ieS86 said:
depends on the windows version. Windows 7/8 is pretty good at running with new hardware, XP blows. But if it was a OEM copy then it won't activate again. Retail will be fine.

But I would do a reinstall if you can.
Click to expand...

I'm running Windows 7. It was an OEM copy so does that mean I can't reinstall?
 
OEM copies are tied to the motherboard.

You can sometimes get away with calling Microsoft up to re-register it but you will probably need a new copy.
 
It isn't a pain in Windows 8. I believe their new "OEM" copy can be used on different motherboards, providing there is only 1 active at a time. So it may be worth going 8 instead of 7 this time round. source
 
Jenkinio said:
That's a pain. I didn't realise that OEM versions were linked to the mobo, but understandable.
Click to expand...

You can use your OEM version to do a re-install. If it does`nt activate online, you will be asked to contact MS by phone. Just tell them you have had to replace your mobo, you should be fine.
Or you could just remove all the GB motherboard chipset and drivers. Then when you connect the ssd to the new board, just install all the new chipset and drivers.
 
I'm giving my old rig to my father-in-law, fitted with a new HDD, so I was already planning to get a new OEM copy anyway. I presume I can install my existing copy on his new HDD (attached to the old mobo), which will leave me to use the fresh copy?
 
Jenkinio said:
I'm giving my old rig to my father-in-law, fitted with a new HDD, so I was already planning to get a new OEM copy anyway. I presume I can install my existing copy on his new HDD (attached to the old mobo), which will leave me to use the fresh copy?
Click to expand...

Makes things easier. Just clone the ssd to the hdd after you have removed all your data. Saves doing a fresh install for your father.
 
R088ieS86 said:
It isn't a pain in Windows 8. I believe their new "OEM" copy can be used on different motherboards, providing there is only 1 active at a time. So it may be worth going 8 instead of 7 this time round. source
Click to expand...

Hmmm. Now I need to work out whether to get W7 or W8....
I just looked through the forum and not really reached any conclusion.
The rig in question is for 100% gaming use, so I need whatever OS provides the best platform....
 
When i switched Mobos i stuck all my drivers and windows onto a USB stick, then booted from the windows boot on the stick and installed the drivers in the command mode option on there, then just started up windows and let it update, i then had to ring up microsoft and get a registration code to validate my windows again. It didnt take long as was all free, but i would recommend a fresh install. I had to google the commands to install the drivers though as i dont have much experience with that.
 
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