Retail Windows 7

I suggest before you change anything to "backup" what you consider critical. Then proceed with the new changes and see what it does. If for some reason it won't boot, then you can re-install and format when prompted. Then install your old s/w after you assure of all MS updates, etc. and then work on the pgm. side. Once all that is done, swap over data you backed up or saved. Sometimes, if you're lucky windoze may not see anything to worry about and continue on as always. Otherwise, it boots-up and displays some message or status explaining why it failed/erred. Then you can do the above install from scratch. Just make sure to back-up in whatever way you desire and works beforehand. Of course if that isn't required, the re-install and when prompts for where be sure to wipeout previous install or "save" old install as previous install. best to install, fresh from scratch.

tada -----Willy

Before you change the mobo, run all the install files for the new motherboard. Once that's been done it won't become active till you reboot. Shutdown, replace the mobo, then reboot. windows should then find the new motherboard and install the proper driver files for it during that boot.

I installed the mobo and the cpu, booted it up, and all I had to do was activate it online. No install was needed.