Question about replacement motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7 difficult. Pitfalls will get in the way of ordinary users. Therefore, do not cut from the shoulder. It’s unpleasant to download everything yourself, and then sit in front of the “screen of death” and think about what to do next. It is better to study this issue carefully. It is necessary to understand what steps need to be taken, what problems may arise and what ways to solve them.
Actually, this shouldn't come as a surprise. You will need to make sure your computer is ready for what will become a motherboard transplant. To get started with this and prepare for any crashes you should do backup all the data that you have on the system drive.
After that, audit the apps you use and make sure you have access to their activation keys. Having new hardware, such as a motherboard, may cause the application to lock, so you may need to re-enter the key after adding a new motherboard.
Prerequisites
Upgrading a computer is an important and serious matter. Perhaps you are not satisfied with one of the components. Technology advances, and your processor is no longer up to the task. Naturally, you need to buy a new chip. But often it is incompatible with specific model motherboard. Then along with it you will have to change the motherboard.
Depending on the motherboard swap you are doing, you may need to update your drivers. Manufacturers make drivers available on "supernets" - so while your old driver is present on your hard drive, just like the later one. Before proceeding, you will also need to check and compare the drive interface settings between the two motherboards.
Ultimately, this is best suited for motherboards that are either identical or very similar. Make sure on this moment you are not using any other software. The system preparation tool will then set itself to work - while this is happening, make sure you are not running any other applications or utilities.
Or maybe you decide to buy new modules random access memory. Your old ones, based on DDR2, have long ceased to cope and are outdated. Even if you only want to expand the amount of RAM, then finding modules of this type will be extremely difficult and impractical. Therefore, it is better to look at DDR4. This is both newer and higher speed memory. But it requires special slots on the motherboard. Why not buy a new one system board?
When your HDD connected to the new motherboard and all installation checks done, you can turn on the computer. Well done - you've painlessly connected your hard drive to your new motherboard! Of course, there are several requirements for the successful completion of this process. You will need to have knowledge of safely adding and removing hardware from desktop computer- if you don't, find someone who does.
In addition, it is important to be prepared for any related failures, hence the instructions for backing up your vital files earlier. Two typical reasons for replacing a motherboard are upgrading an existing one and replacing a defective one.
The same problems can arise with other components. For new models of video cards, advanced slots are needed - faster and better. The Winchester is being improved and switched to the third revision of Serial ATA a long time ago. To upgrade the system, you need to carefully study the aspects, since replacing the motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7 will be your main problem.
Follow the steps for the scenario that matches your situation. It is assumed that updating or replacing the motherboard will create a new Personal Computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer and a new operating system license is required. If the motherboard is replaced due to a defect, the user does not need to purchase a new operating system license for the computer. Motherboard replacement must be of the same make and model, or the same manufacturer replacement or equivalent, as warranted by the manufacturer.
Demolish or save?
And why is it necessary to save the operating system? After all, it is many times easier to just demolish it and put another one after assembling the PC. Of course, for many users, this will be the most profitable option. But there are also users who customize the system for themselves to the smallest detail. All personal parameters and necessary applications are important to them.
In fact, the company is a bit more accommodating, but the solution still seems unnecessarily confusing. On the other hand: many hard drives' and loading bars just make the little message in the bottom right corner of the screen disappear. The simple trick in the above post still applies.
Otherwise, it's a piece of cake. You can change this later after the update is completed and reactivated. So when you're done, you'll see the following. Now you can upgrade your motherboard. To complete new installation won't take long, but you'll have to reinstall everything installed programs, transfer data and adjust system settings, and not mention which programs need to be activated. To update minor parts, you can simply uninstall the corresponding old drivers and install new ones after replacement.
When you reinstall the OS, everything will naturally be deleted. And if for some this will be the beginning of something new, then for others it can turn into a great tragedy. It is necessary to eliminate all problems and keep personal data.
Tools
In order not to lose the operating system and information, it is better to use a couple of tools. To replace the motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7, two utilities will become useful to us. 
It may take several minutes to send numbers back and forth. Otherwise, it is retail or bulk. Volume keys are purchased by large companies or organizations. As you may know, modifying the registry incorrectly can lead to a serious problem, so you'd better create a full image backup.
The easy way that works all the time
You can follow the steps below to modify the registry. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the next key. Save changes and exit Registry Editor. Turn off your computer and replace it. It does not require any settings to be changed. To back up your system for generic recovery.
Sysprep is a built-in OS tool. It is used to clean hardware parts, reset OS activation, etc. In general, the software will allow you to create an image of an operating system that does not need hardware.
ERD Commander is a tool that will have to be downloaded in advance. It helps even if it is damaged and the download is not possible. This is his main task. There are also additional features. In general, ERD Commander - useful software for programmers. It helps to restore the system if it was blocked by ransomware viruses, selectively resume files from the registry, etc.
It will automatically select the required elements as the source Reserve copy. You can or the original hard drive. Make sure that the "Generic Recovery" checkbox is checked before starting the recovery. This method can also be used with or with a laptop with dissimilar hardware.
The post is based on a great thread on the same thread that anyone considering a motherboard replacement should check first. Basically, it's an irrational compulsion to format one hard drive at the fall of the hat. This article aims to show you The best way get around one of the most common fetish reformat triggers - motherboard replacement.
the main problem
Why is it desirable to have a copy at all? The fact is that replacing the motherboard usually leads to a huge amount of driver incompatibility. And if this problem is still fixable with some devices, then the main errors come from the ATA / SATA interface - ports for the hard drive. That's why so often the "screen of death" appears, which brings an endless reboot.
The system will start booting for about ten seconds, then either reboot immediately or stall at a blue screen, depending on whether it automatically reboots on blue screens or not. No, it does not attract a virgin sacrifice on the full moon on the seventh night before Samhain, but you need to go through a few steps.
At Arc, we take great care to make sure we don't erupt, your particular system can't react in a predictable way, and we can't take any blame for that. love everything that you consider sacred, at least have an up-to-date backup that you can rely on. We also assume that you know how to install and change device drivers using Device Manager.
Preparation
Begin the whole process by working with Sysprep. To replace the motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7, you need this particular tool. It cleans up all unique files and drivers. Therefore, you need to do this before the new component takes place on the motherboard.
To start working with the utility, you need to find it through command line Win+R. A small window will open in which we write the path to Sysprep: "C:\windows\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe". In a new window, you should configure the software settings.
First we need to move the system to a more generic set of platform drivers. If it is not listed with "Show compatible hardware" checked, your system may not survive this process unless the new motherboard is from the same chipset vendor.
You can also uninstall your video drivers at this point as they will likely need to be reinstalled anyway. Reboot your system for driver changes to take effect. Now your system is platform agnostic, you can remove the hard drive and put it anywhere. If you're having trouble booting after doing a motherboard swap, this is the first place to look.
First, go to the section "Actions to clean up the system" and here you should select the line with the transition to the system welcome window. Here you need to check the box next to "Preparation for use". Now we are looking for a section with "Shutdown Options" and click "Shutdown". Don't forget to end everything with the OK button.
Now turn off the power and do whatever you need to do, namely the installation of equipment. Cancel every one you have the ability to cancel. There are no technical reasons, but it will make this next part a bit cleaner and easier for you. You will then need to be in a special device manager mode where devices that are not installed but have installed drivers At the command prompt, enter the text exactly as shown. You may be surprised at how many things have disappeared or disappeared.
Please read carefully and follow the instructions!
Don't touch anything in the "Unplugged and Playback Devices" section. There are some media drivers in "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" that you should leave there. The same applies to system devices, although they are usually branded, so it's very easy to talk about everything. After another reboot, start deleting vendor websites for your latest drivers. You already know how to install drivers, install what you need. Even at its best chances of loading hard drive from another computer is a crappy shoot and with no image or backup there is a problem.
After a few seconds of operation, when the tool has done everything necessary, the system will turn off. Then we proceed to the collection of the motherboard, installation and other similar matters.
Alternative
When replacing the motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7, the registry will also be required. To ensure that the installation does not lead to compatibility errors, whether it is changing the motherboard or changing the controller mode, you need to dig into the system while it is working correctly. 
I hope this advice doesn't fall on deaf ears. "Completely Assembled Computer System" means computer system, consisting of at least a central processor, a motherboard, a hard disk, etc. power supply and case. The description, which is not password protected, can be accessed from the link below.
Installed on a new computer
The first example can result in activation being denied. The second means that you do not have media to install for repair if necessary. This link is to confuse you even more.
To the new motherboard and hardware
As with all changes that have the potential for data loss, it is highly recommended that you back up any important data that cannot be recovered from other media. If you have information in non-standard locations, don't expect the default settings of a backup device or software to save the data.We call the command line Win + R and enter regedit. So you launch the same registry and start working with it. Now you need to go HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\msahci. Open the last folder and look for the Start line on the right. In it, you need to change the value to zero. We return to the column on the left and look for the final pciide folder along the same path. Here again we set the value to zero. For users who use RAID arrays (multiple drives), the whole process is repeated in iaStorV.
You will need to customize your backup options. As with all hardware, you should always check for updates. Perform a repair installation by following step by step instructions below. This will prevent the appearance blue screen inaccessible boot device.
Replacing the motherboard based on the form factor
With this method, booting for the first time with a new motherboard should be done in safe mode. What happens when you change your motherboard or move your hard drive depends on the cumulative changes made within the 120-day period since initial activation.
Now you can replace the motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7 (64). We turn off the computer, install the updated motherboard in the case and turn on the computer. At right action process will be correct. The operating system will load the drivers on the controller on its own, and you will have to do all the necessary settings on your own.
What information do you need to provide? As long as it is only installed on one computer, nothing needs to be said other than that it has been removed from one computer and installed on another, or Hardware was updated on the same computer. You do not need or need to provide additional information.
He was not expected to stop being able to disable or enable activation. You can effectively recover most non-download situations from the information included in this website. Answers by e-mail will be accepted and answered when time permits.
Recovery
During all these operations, errors can occur. Incorrect entry of values or erroneous actions cannot be ruled out. This all leads to the fact that it is not possible to start the operating system. We are trying to download and upload ERD Commander to a flash drive. Replacing the motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7 should be easy. As we have already learned, this tool helps to restore the system in difficult situations.
To use this program, you need to download it from the Internet and throw it on a CD or flash drive if there is no drive. Now, when you turn on the PC, the boot drive will see this software and start downloading the necessary information from it. In the window, select the item ERD Commander 6.5 for the seventh OS, or for the version that you had previously installed.
A notification will now appear about "renaming" the drives. We agree with this process. We do not touch the network settings yet, do not forget about the keyboard layout. If several operating systems were installed on the disk, you need to select the previously used one in the next window. If there is only one, then only one line will appear in the table. Click "Next" and see what happens. It usually takes a few seconds for the system to cope with problems, etc. 
Now a window with "System Recovery Options" will open. Here you need to select the last item with the restoration of MSDaRT. Next, click on the registry. Now we don't need commands. Replacing the motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7 takes place in the registry window that is already familiar to us.
On the path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM you will find the MountedDevises folder - you need to delete it. The CurrentControlSet folder will be above, you need to find the atapi folder in it, changing the value in the Start line to zero, and repeat this setting in the rest of the archives.
The last step is to work with the Msahci folder. Here again we change the value to zero. The system should boot correctly. If nothing worked out, most likely, the problem is much more complicated. Here, among others software errors, we are talking about conflicts with the built-in video adapter. 
Safe mode
Still can't replace the motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7? You can go to " Safe mode". When starting the PC, hold down F8. When the OS loads, go to the "Device Manager" and remove the device that is failing. If you cannot determine it, then it is recommended to simply remove the PCI bus and load all the necessary drivers.
All these operations are designed for people who at least somehow understand the PC. Regular user unambiguously somewhere will get confused, something will choose not that. After that, the system will become a "brick" and programmers will save it. If you are not sure what you are doing, either find friends who understand all this, or ask for help at a service center.
The result and painlessness of replacing the motherboard on a Windows 7 PC depends on so many factors. Both the version of the operating system are important here (OEM versions, for example, are attached to hardware), and motherboard models (the more differences, the more chances that Win 7 will start acting up), and the platform (if you “move” from AMD to Intel or on the contrary, the probability of problems increases). Perhaps many people remember what numbers Windows XP chipped off when replacing the motherboard ... Seven, I must say, is also not a gift in this regard. Unlike Linux, simply changing the motherboard, and then tucking in a couple of packages, often does not work here. To be honest, I only got it once out of six or seven. This, as you understand, does not lead to a stable result. Therefore, the question of how to replace the motherboard on a Windows 7 PC without reinstalling the OS is still relevant.
Preparatory activities
Before proceeding with such an operation, just in case, I make an image of the partition with the installed operating system. I try to have this image for any major iron replacement surgery. A couple of times, you know, it helped a lot. And I recommend you. This image is made using any program you like. For example, or.
Why does a motherboard replacement often turn into a Windows reinstall? The most common cause is incompatibility of motherboard chipset drivers. In particular, the incompatibility of the ATA/SATA controller driver with the new controller on the installed "motherboard" can become very sensitive. In order to avoid such problems, we can simply get rid of the drivers that can cause them.
How do we get rid of the drivers? Yes, very easy! By using sysprep utilities. Perhaps someone is familiar with Windows XP. Personally, I used it to prepare reference images of system partitions with pre-installed software for mass installations on a PC 8 years ago.
This utility removes unique information from the installed operating system. Windows systems. Including, the drivers installed in the system are also cleaned. Now it is clear why I suggested creating an image with an existing system? Software and settings of users sysprep does not touch. This utility must be run before connecting a hard disk system partition to the new system board.
To launch the utility, press the key combination: “Win + R”. In the window that appears, enter the command: “ C:\windows\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe” and click OK. After that, a window with utility settings will open (see screenshot). By the way, the screenshot shows the settings that I suggest you make. In the drop-down menu "Actions to clean up the system", select the option "Go to the system welcome window (OOBE)". Next to it is a place for a checkmark "Preparing for use". It should also be enabled. In the "Shutdown options" drop-down menu, select the "Shutdown" option.
After that, click the “OK” button to start cleaning the system. After graduation this process the computer will turn off, for which, however, we set the last option.
Replacing the motherboard and starting the system
Only after the final shutdown of the computer, we turn it off from the network (it is better to unplug the cord from the outlet). And now you can already replace the motherboard or connect a hard drive with an operating system installed and processed by sysprep to a new system unit.
During the first boot, the OS will install device drivers (may request branded ones, so keep them ready). In addition, she will definitely ask you to set regional parameters, since they are also removed by the utility.
When the system asks for a username, there is a little trick here. Do not enter a pre-existing username. Enter something else. Then delete this new user, but the system will not write anything extra to the profiles of your users - the settings will not go astray. You can log in under them after the first start of the updated system.
As a user, the system will ask you to confirm the date and time, as well as a number of other settings, including automatic installation updates. After you enter all these settings (it's much faster than installing the system again), the desktop of the user you created specifically for this process will boot. This account can now be deleted, and logged in under the old users.
The sysprep utility greatly increases the likelihood of replacing the motherboard without reinstalling Windows. In addition, such preparation of a previously installed system takes about half an hour. The only inconvenience is that you will have to activate Windows 7 again, since a number of versions of this OS are tied to hardware. In particular, this applies to the most common in our country legal Windows versions 7 - OEM (pre-installed on new PCs and laptops). They will have to be activated by phone, since activation via the Internet in this case, alas, is not available due to the fact that the system considers this operation reinstallation on another computer, which is prohibited by the terms license agreement this version.
