Install new Motherboard without reinstalling Vista?

[mdm7923]

I recently found out that the motherboard in my desktop is faulty, and I will be replacing it with a new motherboard soon, is there any way to keep a (stable) copy of windows without having to reinstall? I just built this computer, so I do not want to install windows again unless it is absolutely necessary.
anyways, the motherboard I have now is a Gigabyte, and I am switching it out with a DFI. Both motherboards use the Intel X58 chipset, I do not have hardware RAID set up I am assuming that I would just uninstall the Gigabyte drivers and do a driver sweep (or edit the registry keys) but someone told me it is not that simple, and could give me BSODS and errors regardless

[hughv]

It depends:
How To Perform a Repair Installation For Vista:
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html

[peacemanfunk]

If you keep the hard-drive with vista installed, then it's fine.

[hughv]

If you keep the hard-drive with vista installed, then it's fine.

Even though the mother board/chipset drivers are completely different?
I don't think so.

[peacemanfunk]

Read this.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_you_have_to_reformat_your_hard_drive_when_installing_a_new_motherboard

[jbennet]

It wont work. A repair may do the trick.

Also if its an OEM copy of windows, you will probably have to ring up and explain when it comes to activation (try and blag)

[hughv]

Did you read it?
"It is always best to format a drive when installing a new motherboard, especially if the new board has a different chip set than the original; VIA, INTEL, AMD, NFORCE ..."
If he's lucky, a repair install may do it, but see jbennett's response also.

Read this.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_you_have_to_reformat_your_hard_drive_when_installing_a_new_motherboard

[saxon747]

Hi I don't think it will work but you could try .If it works and you need to reactivate windows then just tell them you recoved your copy from a major virus attack.I have owned both a dvi and gigabyte board.There bios set up is quit differnent wicth leads me to supect that they are desinged quit diffently.
Sorry but i think you are going to have to reinstail.You should do a clean reinstal anyway as you could get old drivers from your old broad confecting with your new drives for your new broad ect.
Sorry could not be of more help

[cohen]

A repair possibly would work, but otherwise it would require a reinstall, i would do a reinstall just so nothing gets confused and crashes.

Good Luck,

Cohen

[cguan_77]

as Cohen suggested, just do a re-install so you can still have some of your data..but some of your application programs might need to re-install....