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Question

Motherboad replacement Dell GX280-Hard drive

Jun 19, 2012 4:35AM PDT

I know hardware but not soft. I am replacing mb in gx280 desktop. Question is willl I have to reload Windows or will the new mb recognize the operating system on the HD and run it instead of a new download. Thanks much.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
You guessed it.
Jun 19, 2012 4:43AM PDT

In most cases you get to reinstall Windows along with drivers for that board.

But you do run the risk that the Windows you have was locked to the old motherboard. I know you didn't know to tell all the details but prepare yourself for a fresh install and possibly having to buy a new Windows license.

Some thought that the Windows that came with the Dell was theirs to use if they installed a new motherboard but the license is tied to the machine or more specifically the motherboard. There are some thousand discussions about that so I'll stop here.
Bob

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Answer
It goes...
Jun 19, 2012 5:45AM PDT

If the mtrbd. is another GX280, then you won't need to reload, it should take off as before. You may need to reconfigure the bios to the old setting.

If on the other hand, this is entirely a different mtrbd., then you will need to reload the OS. you will also need the drivers, etc., to finish the install. However, this should require a non-Dell supplied OS. You didn't mention what OS is going for the install but that's another issue. You need a DIY OEM type or full retail type OS package.

So, what are the full detail so fthis mtrbd.?

tada -----Willy Happy