Installing new MotherBoard=loss of all data?

[KilliK]

Hi, I am going to purchase a new motherboard for my PC. I also would like to put it together myself. Is there anything I should do to keep my current configuration the same? Do I have to make a copy of anything to disk? Do I need a certain disk to help boot up my pC once I install everything to my new MoBo? Basically I want to keep everything the way it is without having to erase my Harddrive. Thanx for any info.

[a Bill]

You may not encounter any trouble. I didn't but others have. You can never be sure until you try it. If it means anything to you, it is rare that the info on the HDD would be corrupted by this. I'd just back up critical files and have at it.

[commodsquad]

You may want to go into the device manager before you start taking things apart and remove the bus master ide controller(since the new mobo's chipset will be different) to let the OS re-detect it when you get the new board up and running(Have your cd ready in case the OS needs it)..it might make it alot easier and may prevent multiple entries or conflicts.. Oh and make sure you check the bios settings (like auto detect for the drives unless you know the direct settings for each one and make sure the floppy drive controller is set to on, memory timings , cache settings and things like that)to get them to what you think is best for you and your new mobo then after checking thru all that a few times to be relatively sure about things let it boot into the OS and go thru the device manager again to check for exclamation splats and any other indications of probs... hope this helps....
Merry Christmas

[This message has been edited by commodsquad (edited 12-25-1999).]

[KilliK]

You may want to go into the device manager before you start taking things apart and remove the bus master ide controller(since the new mobo's chipset will be different) to let the OS re-detect it when you get the new board up and running(Have your cd ready in case the OS needs it).


Huh? 8) OK, now I am getting nervous. I have my windows 98 2nd editon CD. Basically, I just bought a gateway, but I want some more options with a better Mo/Bo. I have one of those new ATA/66 20 gig HD and some wierd controller type thing that uses a PCI slot. I dont have a driver for it (Didnt see one anyways) so I hope that won't cause a conflict. Also, anywhere I can get some in depth info on doing this? (So I can print it) Any info would be great! Thanx again 4 the help and info.

[Wiz]

personally, i would just format the HD and install the new mobo. Then reinstall your OS.

[commodsquad]

well, it isnt as scary as it sounds...
you might want to list the specs of your current set up ( mobo model, all peripherals and even the contoller card's serial numbers) that you listed as weird thingy
and if you already picked out the new mobo list that as well like its options and/or model #'s so that it might be a little easier to explain since I sort of jumped the gun without knowing exactly what you planned to do and without knowing exactly what you had to work with LOL also taking a look thru the device manager is easy to do..just right click on the icon called my computer and choose properties and click on the tab that says device manager and you will see a list of everything that is your computer's configuration and settings...
sorry about that, I didnt mean to make you have a double take LOL...

[Ed_S]

This is a Gateway machine???

First things first: Does it use a standard board or proprietary? (special made to fit their case)

Next thing:
I have one of those new ATA/66 20 gig HD and some wierd controller type thing that uses a PCI slot.
These are in the machine now, or to be installed? What type of controller?

Forgive me if I get too basic from here out!

Changing the mainboard will definately change the configuration. Making a backup copy of EVERYTHING before ANY hardware change is advisable. I suspect that few of us actually do it, I know I don't very often. But it's best, especially if you're unsure what to do if all programs/data/os are accidentally lost. At the least, backup the registry and your data. Don't forget to backup your email & bookmarks from the browser!
As to a boot disk, you should ALWAYS have one (or three..)

Now, changing the board without reformatting isn't that tough. You will have to make changes in device manager since the new board's devices will differ from this one's.
Several things need to be deleted before final shutdown with the old board. Don't worry, Windows will redetect the new stuff on boot, but you need the old cleared out to keep from scrambling things!
First thing I do is change the video settings to bare basic. Right click on the desktop & choose "properties". For this part, every video card differs, but the gist of it is to change to "Std VGA", 640x480, 256 color.
You'll be prompted to reboot, do so.

Enter device manager as commodsquad described.
Delete everything under the following catagories:
> Floppy disk controllers
> Hard disk controllers
> Ports (Com & LPT)
> System devices
> USB Controller

This basicly blows out everything relating to the existing board. You may be prompted to reboot - Do NOT!
Shut down, power down.

Have your '98 disk and any driver disks handy. (including whatever comes with the new board)

change the board. Boot up.

Windows will freak out for a while trying to recognize & setup everything. After several prompted reboots, it'll settle down (about the same time as your heartrate does http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif)
Next, install any drivers or necessary softwre for the board. Refer to their manual & install what they say, the way they say it!

When done, check device manager for conflicts. Hopefully all is well, if not it'll have to be dealt with, but can't explain how to fix until after it's broke. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

With any conflicts cleared up, you can finally reset the video settings.

Has worked fine for me and others, but of course there's no gaurantee! If something goes wrong you will probably have to format & reload!

Whew! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Ed_S (edited 12-25-1999).]

[Ed_S]

One more thing. Your post indicates you haven't done this before.
If so, I'd strongly suggest that you either have someone experienced help or at least have another machine available so you can get back here for help!

[KilliK]

Thanx 4 the info all.......My current setup consist of.....
P III 500 mhz
Geforce 256 creative(Gateway formatted)
128 megs of Ram
IBM 20 gig HD
Soundblaster live value
3com ethernet card
56k modem
and this wierd thing that my harddrive is actually connect to (by the flat band wire). I think it may be a controller card but I have never seen one/used one before. Obviously it hold some kind of importance but it (nor the Geforce card) came with driver disks/cd. That is kind of why I need to keep my current info on my Hard drive.

DVD/cd pioneer (no driver either)
And thats about it I think.

I have installed ram and numerous video cards so I know about driver config and stuff but why do I have to delete them?

Oh.........Cus my new mobo will use different "channels" of transporting data and what not!!! DER..... Ok. I dunno what kind of new mobo I am getting yet. I have been doing alot of reading online and maybe I will get an abit B*6 type mobo. Any suggestions? And where can I get a boot disk? I had a feeling I would need one. Man I would die if I tried this and I screwed it all up. First, my warrentee with gateway will go bye-bye and then I would'nt have easy access to the net.......Anywhere I can get alot of info so I can print it up??

Also, I guess some of you have done this before so I would like to hear a couple of mistakes you have made.. so I don't. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif Ummm, was it really hard. I am somewhat computer literate but I would like to know more about that IDE controller thing someone said earlier. I basically just try to tweak my PC out for better 3d performance and so far have made many mistakes but have learned alot too. I started OverClocking my old PC (AMD P.O.S) and actually did quite well. That is the biggest reason for getting a new mobo actually. This mobo maxes out at 100 mhz FSB so I cant OC it.


[This message has been edited by KilliK (edited 12-26-1999).]

[Ed_S]

OK, now it's clearer what you've got.

Read in another post of yours dated 12/21 that this a "brand spankin new Gateway"
Any modification is likely to void your warranty!!
I would leave it alone. If it doesn't fit your needs return or exchange it!!
I mean that as friendly advise!! Most of us either build from scratch or start with something older & upgrade.

Also, the "weird thing" the ribbon cable connects to must be a hard drive controller. What type remains to be seen. How many wires in the cable?

Now, part of what I said earlier was:
Delete everything under the following categories:
> Floppy disk controllers
> Hard disk controllers
> Ports (Com & LPT)
> System devices
> USB Controller

scratch that
If you pursue this project, DO NOT delete the HD controller, since it is NOT integral on the board!

======================
I've considered deleting my answers on this since I do not want to be involved in voiding the warranty but decided not to since it IS your choice!
Hopefully I've made it clear that this IS NOT an "upgrade" I would advise doing!!



[This message has been edited by Ed_S (edited 12-26-1999).]

[KilliK]

Hmmmmmmmmmm. Maybe I will wait for my warrentee to end. I was really looking forward to Overclocking this PC. One of the Biggest reasons I got the Gateway was it is only 51$ a month. And I didnt have $1700 readily available. But I thought I would be able to Overclock it but alas, to no avail. Maybe I will wait and see if any programs become available (such as Softfsb). I also had another idea. Although the gateway uses pheonix bios they made some adjustments to the Bios to stop me from being able to change bus speeds and clock speeds. If I try the Bios from the pheonix website (same build) will they work? I know some of you may/maynot hate Overclocking or think I am not doing the right thing but I CAN and DO appreciate all advice either way. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif I really do appreciate how helpful ALL of you have been.

[Ed_S]

Good. Didn't want to see you blow that warranty! Gateway has a great reputation, it should be a good machine.
As far as overclocking, the P3 is clock-locked by Intel, not Gateway. Bus speed is the only variable with any Intel P2, P3, or Celeron. Your 500 is already at 100mhz on the bus. Board may not be capable of higher bus speeds than that.

BTW, I do overclock my toys, so I understand the urge to do it! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Axel]

The inability to define that PCI controller card for the HD has me worried - are you absolutely sure you've got an IDE drive there and not a SCSI card and drive??

What's printer on the card - is there an FCC ID sticker that might help identify it??

Is there a BIOS chip on the card? - Does it have an ID or SN on it?

Perhaps if you documented and posted everything from your boot sequence, we might be able to identify what that card is.

[KilliK]

It is a promise technology ultra66 IDE controller. My mobo is gateway I think. On my internal componants sheet that came with my CPU they have it named as a TABOR III. Also I am using Pheonix Bios 4.0 version 6. Which I am pretty sure has gateway's specified settings as I can't adjust bus speeds or clock rate. Is it advisable to flash my bios with the bios with the same version # from the Pheonix site? Maybe I can adjust my bus speeds that way. But I never flashed anything besides my ....nevermind......