Do I need to reinstall Windows 7 if I connect my old HDD to a new rig?

redtilldead

redtilldead

redtilldead

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19 Dec 2012
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Hello all,

I have just assembled a new PC and have a quick question. The CPU, Motherboard, RAM, GPU are all new, however, I am using my old HDD from my previous system (which obviously has Windows already installed).

The issue I am facing is that when I booted the new PC, Windows would not start and would try to "repair" but to no avail and the cycle would repeat. Now I understand that my HDD has the old Gigabyte Chipset Drivers and I need to install the new Asrock Chipset Drivers to successfully boot.

Therefore, can you please guide me (step by step, if possible) if I can use my PC without having to reinstall Windows? Can I simply uninstall my Gigabyte drivers and install the Asrock ones and be fine?

Appreciate your help and support.

P.S. my previous system was a E8500 (CPU) and Gigabyte EP45-UD3P (Mobo) whereas the new one is i7 4770K (CPU) and Asrock Z87 Extreme4 (Mobo)
 
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Ideally, yes. You can uninstall the old drivers and install the new ones and it should work, but personally I wouldn't do it. New PC, new Windows install.
 
I just delete everything associated with the old mobo in Program and Features and drivers in Device Manager. Never had a problem.
 
i would do reinstall. you'd surely be looking at overclocking, so i wouldn't chance it, for the sake of stability or any other random issues.
 
It can work with the old install, just make sure you remove all the old software for the old motherboard etc.

GPU only needs the software changed if you have switched makes (I.e: From AMD to Nvidia or vice-versa). If you have just upgraded and already have the latest drivers this is not necessary.

Generally though I'd just do a complete reinstall, for a new build.
 
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