getting ready to upgrade PC have quick question....

[inline 6]

I already have all the parts I need. I am replacing the motherboard, processor and the ram. My question is... can I just replace it all and plug my hard drive back in and turn it on or do I need a fresh install on my operating system to go with all of this? I dunno if any of the current drivers for things are going to get upset at this or not....

[Tx Redneck]

Cleaning install

Saved and Texan by the Grace of God, Redneck by choice.

[32vfromhell]

You shouldnt NEED to do a clean install, but its recommended.

[roliath]

windows 7 is pretty smart. you could technically uninstall video drivers/sound/chipset etc..
swap out reinstall drivers + re-activate

but a clean install would be the best way.

[inline 6]

Ok I am going to do a clean install but when should I do it? DO it now with the old hardware? Or build it up with the new hardware and make it my first order of business after I boot for the first time?

[Tx Redneck]

If there is anything you want/need on that hdd, back it up first cause it'll get deleted, then do the clean install.

Saved and Texan by the Grace of God, Redneck by choice.

[Ratt]

Ok I am going to do a clean install but when should I do it? DO it now with the old hardware? Or build it up with the new hardware and make it my first order of business after I boot for the first time?

If you want the files on the hard drive, it would be best to boot it up under the old configuration, then back the files up somewhere, then after that, shut it down and swap the parts, put the windows cd in the drive/usb key in the slot, then boot directly from the cd or usb key before it has a change to load windows and do a fresh install that way.