[Solved] Non-Destructive Re-Installation Of Win7?

Discussion in 'Windows 7' started by DeathStalker77, Sep 6, 2014.

  1. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

    Nov 8, 2009
    586
    47
    30
    Hello all!

    Sadly, late last night my mobo (an Asus Z77) passed away - warranty replacement is shipping out Monday or Tuesday, but in the meantime (in order to get my "fix - like a junkie on heroin, lol!) I'm looking at doing a re-install of Windows, as I installed my OLD mobo (an Abit IP35 Pro). Unfortunately, there appear to be driver conflicts which prevent the current Windows installation from booting or being repaired :(

    Can I re-install Windows as a "repair" installation? Or do I just need to wipe the drive and re-install everything (I have a LOT) installed and it would be a bit of a pain to re-do it all.

    Thanks for any assistance! :)
     
  2. murphy78

    murphy78 MDL DISM Enthusiast

    Nov 18, 2012
    7,432
    11,763
    240
    You're theoretically supposed to be able to install new hardware and have it re-descover all the things and reform the HAL,
    but in practice, I've found it to be damn near impossible to change a motherboard and not kill your installation.
     
  3. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

    Nov 8, 2009
    586
    47
    30
    That Paragon program worked like a charm! :D I can't thank you enough!

    I'll be able to do the same thing when my replacement mobo comes too!
     
  4. T-S

    T-S MDL Guru

    Dec 14, 2012
    3,984
    1,331
    120
    Actualy this is now pretty easy, just boot with Hiren's boot cd, and launch the script fix_hdc ftom the tools menu.

    That's all