Windows 10: Replacing MB - what do I need to do to reinstall Win10

I have a bad MB. I can boot up to BIOS menu screen but can't do anything in BIOS or start Windows. The MB has been acting up for a while - so I'm going to replace it now (should have replacement here any day).
I will be reusing the CPU, Memory, video card, HDs, etc.

Is there anything I should do now to get ready? I have Win10 x64 on a USB stick.

Will I be able to reinstall and then activate the license (even if I need to use the phone activation)?
Should I anticipate any problems activating since I will be using a different MB?

:)

 

it says i need an email program? were do i get it from?

it tells me there is an email program needed that i dont have. were do i get it from

 

If i need to reinstall Windows, what to do, to install again Windows 10

You will need to burn an ISO disc (DVD) of win10, an ISO win10 is available here on MS, and elsewhere on the net. However, my system operating win 8.1 will be updated to win 10 automatically, and I'll just follow their instructions. My unit operating Win
XP which I will need to buy win10 to replace...I will do a complete clean (format) of my HD.

So unless your operating an older OS, or Linux, there really is no need to Format your HD. It is always a good idea to have the latest OEM drivers installed regardless of win7 or 8.1 before updating to windows 10.

 

Probably all the questions you can ask about licenses are addressed here:
Need Clarification on Windows 10 Digital Licence... - Windows 10 Forums

I suggest you see the tutorial references first.
Please advise if you can think of more. Thanks.

Note: I guess you're aware it's not actually essential to do a clean install...

 

Maybe this will help: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...ardware-change

 

Thanks for the link - but I'm not sure if I ever activated the "digital license". And right now I can't get into Windows OS to see (or do) the digital activation. Maybe I can reset BIOS (pull battery and jumper something I think) and then get access to computer.

EDIT: I forgot to add - this is/was a retail license. All my computers are home built. Although the upgrade to Win10 was via the free MS upgrade from my retail Win7

 

Thanks - I'll look those links in the "thread you posted". But from what I've seen looking at those threads, they epect me to do something from within Windows - but I can't start windows.

Regarding not needing to do a clean install - I am switching from an ITX ASROCk H67 MB to a mini-ATX GIGABYTE Z68. Its the only one I could find with LGA1155 socket.
So won't I need to do a clean install to get the correct drivers loaded?

 

A small screwdriver tip across the jumper pins has always worked for me*Smile

 

Here's a guide to the hardware aspects:
Upgrade Your Motherboard the Easy Way | PCWorld

Some people reportedly have success without preparing Windows first- simply do the physical change and reboot. This is the quick an 'dirty' way.

This is the better way:
Prepare Windows for a New CPU or motherboard - Spiceworks

Commentary here:
Can I change motherboard and processor without a full re-install of windows? - Quora

Then there is yet another way. Use a disk imaging program such as Macrium Reflect and
'restore to dissimilar hardware'.
Restoring to dissimilar hardware - What is Macrium Redeploy? (ReDeploy)

Easeus provides a similar tool:
Todo Backup Restore to Dissimilar Hardware - EaseUS

Aomei (Chinese) also does:
Restore A System Image Backup to Computer with Dissimilar Hardware
That may be more appropriate for you as you can't boot Windows.

Note, however, that if you currently use legacy BIOS and MBR, you might wish to move to UEFI + GPT, assuming your BIOS supports UEFI.

 

Changing from mbr to UEFI is easy now. There is a tutorial how to do it.

 

Noted your spec says you are using
Win 10 preview 10074 - is that correct?

@cereberus is probably referring to this:
Convert Windows 10 from Legacy BIOS to UEFI without Data Loss Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

but note it applies to a Creator's build onwards.

 

If you do it from a bootable cu installation disk, it will convert older versions.

 

I confirmed there was Digital License stored under my MS account, then ran Sysprep then replaced the MB, restarted computer - but it would not activate license. Didn't even give me any options to register.

So I reinstalled my retail "Win7 Home Premium", and the license worked. That's fine as this computer is just a HTPC so Win 7 is good.