Question : Problem: Why does everything have to be reinstalled when replacing a motherboard with a different one?

Hi Everyone;

         From a previously closed post, I gathered that everything (e.g. operating system, applications, drivers, etc.) will need to be reloaded and reconfigured if a defective motherboard is replaced by a new motherboard which is different in terms of make and model.  Of course, certain components like sound card, modem, CD/DVDROM, etc. does not require that much work and time.  With that point in mind, I am naturally curious why the motherboard is so different.  I hope I am not underminding the importance of the motherboard as compared to other components.  I realize it is the heart of the pc itself which probably makes it more special.  At any rate, any explanation given to this question will be appreciated.

         Thank you

         George

Answer : Problem: Why does everything have to be reinstalled when replacing a motherboard with a different one?

It's deliberately designed into the OS to keep you from imaging the drive dozens of times and putting those drives into other machines.
It is primarily because of Microsoft's Copyright paranoia.
They tie the OS to the hardware such that if too many items of hardware change the OS won't work.
When you change to a new motherboard nearly every chip on the board is a device change.

They did not do that yet with Win98 and you could bounce a Win98 drive from PC to PC by just reinstalling drivers.
Win98 was great for testing motherboards. - No OS install just to test a board out.
It's getting too old now though, no drivers for new stuff.
.
[Psst. Think Linux.]