Most modern applications require entering a registration key. Take a close look at all the software you're running. Step 2: Collect Software Registration Keys You don't have to clone to another hard drive just put an image file on another drive, even on the external drive that contains the data backup. Then, if possible, make an image backup of your entire hard drive, using a tool such as Acronis True Image (US$50) or DriveImage XML (free). I suggest backing up your valuable data onto an external drive first. Even if you're not into regular backups, now is the time to back up your system. One key point to remember: You are putting your data at risk. Performing a motherboard upgrade is fairly simple, and consists of three parts: pre-upgrade preparation, the physical swap, and post-upgrade polishing. I'll focus on the process with Windows 7, but I'll also offer tips and tricks for Windows XP and Windows Vista. The goal is to keep and maintain your existing Windows installation even after a motherboard upgrade. Here I'll walk you through the process of upgrading the motherboard in an existing PC, including taking care of all the software issues. If you're planning on moving from ancient gear to current gear, a clean install really is the best way to go. Specifically, I won't look at trying to move from very old hardware (say, a motherboard with AGP) to brand-new hardware. Even in this case, you may be looking at additional hardware - particularly memory, if you're moving from DDR2 RAM to DDR3. Examples might include moving from an Intel Core 2-generation board to a Core i5/i7 board, or from an AMD Athlon 64 X2 AM2 board to a Phenom X4-capable board. In this article I'm going to focus on a single-generation upgrade. The hard part is not the hardware installation - modern motherboards are easier to set up and install than in years past - it's bringing up an existing Windows installation and all your applications. It isn't that difficult, provided you do a little up-front prep. Then I learned how to swap in a new motherboard without having to deal with a clean install.

Years ago, I would often upgrade gaming and test systems in my own basement lab, but keep chugging along with a production machine using a two-year-old motherboard and CPU. Even accomplished geeks shy away from motherboard upgrades on their main PCs.

Windows 7 change motherboard and cpu