Replacing your Motherboard (without killing Windows)

It can be done!  If you want to replace an older motherboard in your computer (without having to wipe and reload Windows), we have a KB article for that!  Off to NewEgg to find a nicer Motherboard to replace the one that came for free with my Processor...  ;)

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/824125

This article describes how to replace a motherboard on a computer that is running Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP, or Microsoft Windows 2000. Two typical reasons for replacing a motherboard are to upgrade an existing one and to replace a failed one. In either case, you must reconfigure Windows to work with the new motherboard and its components because not all motherboards use the same hardware abstraction layer (HAL), integrated device electronics (IDE) controllers, basic input/output system (BIOS), and other components.

Upgrade an existing motherboard

This scenario assumes that your existing motherboard works and that you can start the existing Windows installation on the hard disk.
To replace a working motherboard with an updated motherboard and to then reconfigure Windows to work with the new motherboard, follow these steps:

  1. Start Windows, and then log on as an administrator.
  2. Insert your Windows CD in the CD-ROM drive or the DVD-ROM drive, and then let Autorun start.
  3. Do one of the following:

For Windows Server 2003:

  • Click Install Windows Server 2003.
  • In the Windows Setup window, click Upgrade (Recommended) in the Installation Type list, and then click Next.
  • Follow the instructions on the screen until the computer begins to restart.

For Windows XP:

  • Click Install Windows XP.
  • In the Windows Setup window, click Upgrade (Recommended) in the Installation Type list, and then click Next.
  • Follow the instructions on the screen until the computer begins to restart.

For Windows 2000:

  • Click Install Windows 2000.
  • In the Windows 2000 Setup window, click Upgrade to Windows 2000 (Recommended) , and then click Next.
  • Follow the instructions on the screen until the computer begins to restart.

4. Just as the computer begins to restart, turn off the computer.

5. Replace the existing motherboard with the new motherboard.

6. Turn on the computer, and then allow the upgrade to continue.
Setup installs the HAL, the IDE controller drivers, and any other drivers that the new motherboard must have.

7. After the upgrade is completed, reinstall any service packs or hotfixes that you had previously installed.