You can try this before changing any parts:How to Transfer your Complete Windows 7 Installation to a New Computer And do a complete system backup, that's allways a good idea

So between the change to IDE from the BIOS and all the methods listed in the link, which one would you do?

So between the change to IDE from the BIOS and all the methods listed in the link, which one would you do?

To be safe, what I would do is the following:1.- Do a complete backup: Control Panel\System and Security\Backup and Restore -> Create a system imagemore info hereIf you have data, documents in (a) separate partition(s) back up those too. Store the backups in an external drive or burn them to a DVD2.- Make sure you have the Windows 7 CD in case you need to repair your installation after the upgrading process, or to restore it using the backups. It won't hurt to create a System Repair Disc (Control Panel\System and Security\Backup and Restore -> Create a system repair disk)more info here3.- Perform the How to Transfer your Complete Windows 7 Installation to a New Computer 4.- Repeat step 1 to backup your system after preparing it in step 2 for the hardware upgrade.5.- When the new parts are in, if it doesn't boot, try setting the SATA config to AHCI6.- If everything fails, restore your Win 7 using the first backup and try again.

Wow you really wanna do this the hard way. OK. It will work the either way, but OK.You won't lose any data, backup is always a good idea, but more for the reason of a drive failure, which doesn't have anything to do with AHCI or IDE mode.He already had 2600 running with W7 as I understand it, so it's basically just a matter of another chipset and a K-CPU, which is virtually the same CPU, just unlocked.Dario, just for the sake of the question: what's the difference between performing this procedure, I've read it quickly through in W7forums, but I don't get it. Between this, and just putting the HD in and performing driver updates. I would guess that driver updates are needed anyway, since it's a new chipset, audio driver, etc...Especially since (Quote):WarningUsing this method causes Windows 7 to lose all activation information, and it needs to be reactivated afterwards. If your Windows 7 is an OEM version, you might not be able to reactivate afterwards, at least not without phone activation option.Also W7 will boot using default drivers, forcing him to install all drivers again, including the ones that are already correct for the other hardware.It's also forcably gonna delete SIDs, which is gonna be reset in any case. And maybe, just maybe, it won't be since the hardware is so similar and only changing mobo+cpu.So, more the problem:Installing new computer and running FSX will maybe require new activation, I don't know if it also requires for you to type in your key again. I know for sure that you will have to reactivate windows, and possibly some payware addons. Maybe even reinstall some. Otherwise it would be an easy way for pirates to copy the software from one machine to another...

Wow you really wanna do this the hard way. OK. It will work the either way, but OK.You won't lose any data, backup is always a good idea, but more for the reason of a drive failure, which doesn't have anything to do with AHCI or IDE mode.He already had 2600 running with W7 as I understand it, so it's basically just a matter of another chipset and a K-CPU, which is virtually the same CPU, just unlocked.Dario, just for the sake of the question: what's the difference between performing this procedure, I've read it quickly through in W7forums, but I don't get it. Between this, and just putting the HD in and performing driver updates. I would guess that driver updates are needed anyway, since it's a new chipset, audio driver, etc...Especially since (Quote):WarningUsing this method causes Windows 7 to lose all activation information, and it needs to be reactivated afterwards. If your Windows 7 is an OEM version, you might not be able to reactivate afterwards, at least not without phone activation option.Also W7 will boot using default drivers, forcing him to install all drivers again, including the ones that are already correct for the other hardware.It's also forcably gonna delete SIDs, which is gonna be reset in any case. And maybe, just maybe, it won't be since the hardware is so similar and only changing mobo+cpu.So, more the problem:Installing new computer and running FSX will maybe require new activation, I don't know if it also requires for you to type in your key again. I know for sure that you will have to reactivate windows, and possibly some payware addons. Maybe even reinstall some. Otherwise it would be an easy way for pirates to copy the software from one machine to another...

Well, since Thomas seemed worried about loosing his data or windows install, I thought it would be a good idea to proceed that way: The first backup for obvious reasons.The sysprep thingy, I find it to be a pretty neat feature although it's not absolutely necessary at all. You'll still need to install the drivers for your new hardware manually, of course, but having the OS reverted to a generic state may avoid conflicts and whatnot. I've never done it and never needed to. This OS has seen 3 different mobos and is working flawlessly spite of that. It was not meant to be a bible for everyone who's planning on swapping boards or anything like that, just a wary way to go about it, with Thomas' concerns in mind

Ok, I've just changed t IDE from AHCI in the bios...I'll now try some of those methods that are listed in the link Dario gave...And yes Word Not Allowed, even last time ( a bloody month ago) that I changed motherboard I didn't loose anything but, when I started up FSX it asked me to re-activate it...no problem though with either REX-PMDG aircrafts(747x-MD-11) nor with FlyTampa's Kai Tak....So FSX asked me to re-activate, luckily I found a product key on the internet , in the end I activated it via phone(FSX told me that the product key that I used had ben used too many times and so that's why I had to activate it via phone...)Going back to the methods, I already tried to backup my computer in to D but it always told me that there was no space, even though I trashed sooooo much stuff...I wanted to ask something about method one...( of that link ) If I follow that method what I'd be doing is practically be creating another user with my exact data games etc right?If you confirm this then let me ask you yet another question( it might seem stupid but these are the first times that I start talking about mobos overclocking or any kind of stuff related to them... ) If that guy at the Hardware store has to completely re-install windows, won't I be loosing everything? at this point I don't see the usefulness of that method ? Thank you very much!!

Thomas, you have to change the SATA mode to IDE when you have your new board installedActually, if your current install was working in AHCI mode, you can forget that, it should not be an issue. You will probably have no problem at all to boot with the new board

If that guy at the Hardware store has to completely re-install windows...

Your #1 priority should be to back up all your data: your photos, videos, program installers, addon installers, their license keys...etc Burn everything to CD's or DVD's. Worst case scenario, it'll just take some time to reinstall everythingIt shouldn't be necessary to reinstall Windows anyway. Do you know how to do it? if you do, you can tell the guy not to reinstall, no matter what, tell him that you'll take care of that. Let him know that you want to keep your current install and ask him if it's possible. If he says no, tell him to leave it aloneOne thing, your current system is new as well, right? so I take it they swapped boards before and kept your old W7?About the system backup, there's an option to save it in "one or more dvd's"

I wanted to ask something about method one...( of that link ) If I follow that method what I'd be doing is practically be creating another user with my exact data games etc right?

you are just creating a temporary user to boot into windows for the first time. You will then delete that account and restore your original one, so everything will remain the sameIf uy

Oh, ok then thanks! I'll follow method one, burn the add-on setups to dvds...One more thing that isn't quite clear, do I have to change the computer to IDE mode before or after the switching of mobos?

Do you currently have the H67 board?

Do you currently have the H67 board?

Yes,now I have the h67...and I just put it on IDE mode...Tell me if it has to go back to AHCI....

Yes,now I have the h67...and I just put it on IDE mode...Tell me if it has to go back to AHCI....

your OS survived the H67 board...same for the P67, you have absolutely nothing to worry about :smile:anyway, backups are always a good idea

your OS survived the H67 board...same for the P67, you have absolutely nothing to worry about :smile:anyway, backups are always a good idea

so...even without doing anything I won't loose anything? Well, just in case, I try one of those methods....Once again, this is what I need:I7 2600kH50 coolerP67 mobo right?

Yes,now I have the h67...and I just put it on IDE mode...Tell me if it has to go back to AHCI....

Backup is always good.Put it into AHCI, P67 comes with AHCI as default. Basically: >>>it doesn't matter which mode your are REALLY in<<<, AHCI *might* be of benefit.If you can change back and forth like you said, then you will have NO TROUBLE WHATSOEVER switching.Tell the guy not to boot with your HD, or just don't give it to him. Put it in yourself and take it out before giving the computer to the store. Keeping the HDD is the safest way of saving your data!

so...even without doing anything I won't loose anything? Well, just in case, I try one of those methods....Once again, this is what I need:I7 2600kH50 coolerP67 mobo right?

Correct. In case you do, backup is there. I always make a HDD->HDD backup (I have about 5 HHDs laying around, and 4 in the computer). Don't make yourself harder than it has to be.Yes, that's it.ASUS is good, overclocks easier... Pro variant, both what me and Dario have, is good IMHO.

Ok, I'll do that and keep you updated...yesterday I called the hardware store...they told me that the processor should be there today, they have the mobo...the problem is the cooler...As I said, I'll keep you updated guysThank you! :im Not Worthy: :im Not Worthy:

I told you I would keep you updated...My hardware store can't get the H50 corsair cooler!What other cooler can you suggest that will allow me to reach 4.5/5 ghz?Thanks P.s...If the guy at the hardware store told me he can't get the H50 cooler, at this point don't tell me to go for the h60 or anything by corsair...thanks....

Antec 620. It's essentially the same as the H50 as they come from the same factory, but is a slightly newer design. Can be had for the same price, if not a little cheaper.