How do I install a new motherboard?

How to Install a old HDD in a new Motherboard?

• Ok, So I'm on a budget and I have an old HDD I am trying to re-use, It has all my software from college on it, pictures, current work and games. I don't want to lose any of this, as it would cost Hundreds of pounds to replace and the pictures, impossible. I have the Windows 7 disc, and the old Motherboard but how do I go about deleting the old Windows 7 copy off the old HDD and then going about a clean install on the new computer without deleting all the Files. FYI, I can't buy a new HDD with the recent increases in price due to the Thai Land flooding's (as I had intended) with the left overs of the budget I am working with, for my new computer. Thank you.

• Answer:

  Hello there, this should not be an insurmountable problem, you just have to back up your personal information first so that it can be re-installed and there are several ways of doing that. The nearest thing to your situation is a re-install of the Windows operating system, but with a new motherboard fitted inbetween. This might lead to and Windows licence problems, but worry about that later. The best information that I can give you would be to have a good read of the article in the link below, which explains the pitfalls and how to avoid them: http://www.officialwindowsmagazine.com/news/reinstall-windows-for-the-last-time/ This article mentions "Macrium Reflect" which is a way of saving a system image and might be useful to you: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx It can be done, many people must have done this successfully in the past, just do your homework first and then be confident about the process. Best of luck with it, Bob.