Windows 7 Pro Retail

[robinbredin]

Hi, what it is, I intend to build a new system which includes a new motherboard. When I boot it up, using the hard drive that has my Win 7 on it, Will I have to install everything on the hard drive, or will it boot into the drive for Win 7 pro.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Aod]

you may be able to boot directly into your old install, however, windows will be very unstable, and will probably bluescreen very soon after boot.

that said, it's extremely unlikely it'll boot anyway, it'll probably just bluescreen when it starts loading.

it's a much better idea to do a nice clean install.

 

[SiriusB]

It depends.

If you are going from Intel to Intel or AMD to AMD, the system should still boot - though make sure you are using the same HDD controller mode [i.e. if your previous install was using IDE and you set the new mobo to AHCI, it will BSoD on boot].

Windows 7 is fantastic with drivers so should be able to install the correct drivers for the new hardware. Though personally I would probably do a fresh install if I was changing mobo, just for the sure-fire knowledge everything will be OK.