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[cochinada]

Greetings!

I need to replace my motherboard as I suspect mine is broken. Unfortunately the one I have has reached end of life, so I had to order another compatible model but from a different manufacturer because I wanted to keep my CPU and memory to save money. To be more precise I'm replacing my Asrock Z97M PRO4 with an Asus H81M-P Plus.

I'm thinking it's unavoidable to reinstall windows (windows 7 Professional) because I will surely need different drivers so I don't expect my system disc to be recognized and bootable, but I'm hoping it will not be necessary to format the disk and hence do a new installation altogether.

I have MC22 and my Registration Code. Am I correct to assume that I will be able to avoid installing MC22 again and that it will work just fine after windows is reinstalled or...?
If I have to install MC22 as well it will be a nightmare as I don't remember anymore all the configurations I've done back in 2016. It was a painful learning curve and I counted with a lot of help from this community.

Please tell me there's hope...

[Awesome Donkey]

I'd recommend doing a library backup (save it somewhere safe like a USB drive), then doing a library restore. All you have to do is make sure your files are backed up (unless you're already doing this) and you should make sure your files are at the drive/location after reinstalling Windows. That way the restoring the library backup it should just work.

The wiki has a page for this: https://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Library_Backup

[cochinada]

I should have done that while my PC was working but how can I do it now if I can't run MC or even start the PC? I didn't explain but MC is installed on the same disk as windows is and I have a separate disk for my audio files but at least these are safe.

[RoderickGI]

There are ways to upgrade a motherboard without reinstalling Windows 7, although lots of people will say it can't be done. It involves getting all the new drivers onto a local device before trying the upgrade, having a non-OEM Windows licence, and booting from the Windows 7 installation media so that a "Repair" can be done to install the new drivers required. Even if you have an OEM Windows Licence you may be able to keep the current licence, if you can convince Microsoft on a phone call that your old motherboard failed. Generally, at least in the past and for Windows 7, Microsoft would allow reactivation of an OEM licence on a new motherboard, I think. It depends on several factors. If they won't transfer the OEM licence, they may sell you a new Windows 7 licence so that you don't need to do a new Windows installation.

Actually, someone else will sell you a Windows 7 licence if you need to buy one: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install-winactivate/purchasing-product-key-for-windows-7/0e97f052-153f-434c-b308-dd6c95c9c7f3

Google until you find a good description of the process. If you can't, or aren't comfortable doing it, pay someone to install the motherboard and get Windows 7 working for you. Make sure you have a backup of all your data, including a MC Library backup, before you hand the PC to anyone. They may muck it up.



PS:

Just saw your update. There will be recent Library backups on the hard disk you can use. You just need to be able to get them off, before anyone tries to fix Windows or lets the process format your disk!

Bottom line: It sounds like you should pay someone to fix this issue and upgrade your PC for you. The store you buy a motherboard and other stuff from could probably do it, if you haven't already bought from an online store. Sorry, this option doesn't save you money...

[cochinada]

Thank you for all your help.

@RodericGI,
I'm not sure I understood. I do have an OEM license but I never did use the repair option of if I have it was ages ago and I don't remember how it works. Is it possible to use the same installation DVD I have but choosing option 'repair' instead of installation? Will this process interfere with my current license? Right now I've prepared two USB sticks, one with a copy of Windows as my PC doesn't have an optical drive and another with all the drivers for the new motherboard. Let's say I boot from the USB with Windows and chose option repair. Then what happens? When will I be able to install the new drives? Does this process ask me for new drivers at some point? And if it does can I simply insert the other USB on another port? You wrote "getting all the new drivers onto a local device before trying the upgrade". Does a second USB qualify for this? Sorry for asking so many questions but I'm really confused.

EDIT: I've googled and found this:
https://www.wintips.org/how-to-replace-motherboard-without-re-installing-windows/
I'm going to try it as soon as I receive the new motherboard and yes I bought it online 

[RoderickGI]

Sorry, I don't remember all the details, but scenario two on the page you found looks like it would work. However, I would just try the "Startup Repair" option first, as I thought that might identify the problems, and install the correct drivers from the Windows installation disk or USB.

But if that doesn't work, go ahead and do the registry editing steps. After that Windows will boot and look all wrong because of screen sizing, probably, but it should either ask for the installation disk to find the correct drivers, or look them up on the internet.

[syndromeofadown]

MC does automatic library backups. To get yours just plug your harddrive into another PC, browse to it, and copy it. I did this last month and it worked fine. The only minor complication I had was that the drive was encrypted by windows so I had to get a key from my windows account online. I had Windows 10, I'm not sure if Windows 7 encrypts by default too.

[cochinada]

Sorry, I don't remember all the details, but scenario two on the page you found looks like it would work. However, I would just try the "Startup Repair" option first, as I thought that might identify the problems, and install the correct drivers from the Windows installation disk or USB.

But if that doesn't work, go ahead and do the registry editing steps. After that Windows will boot and look all wrong because of screen sizing, probably, but it should either ask for the installation disk to find the correct drivers, or look them up on the internet.

That is also an interesting option. I also found these instructions but it is not very clear if one has to press "Startup Repair" or not. He also uses this incredible advanced command:
'dism /image:c:\ /add-driver /Driver:X:\ /recurse' where X is the letter of my USB stick with the drivers. I guess here I just need to eject my windows USB and replace it with this.
This explains what the syntax means but I wonder where or what is this image in c:\ (my SDD disk letter I suppose) that I'm going to update with the new drivers...
Could it be that this image is nothing more than my windows already installed and that the command above is incredibly clever and knows exactly where to add the new drivers?

MC does automatic library backups. To get yours just plug your harddrive into another PC, browse to it, and copy it. I did this last month and it worked fine. The only minor complication I had was that the drive was encrypted by windows so I had to get a key from my windows account online. I had Windows 10, I'm not sure if Windows 7 encrypts by default too.

I need to see first if I can plug this SSD into my desktop PC but it is also a very good idea if all goes wrong. Can you tell me under which folder are these library backups by default and how are they called please?

Thank you all.

EDIT: Perhaps I should copy only the SATA drivers of the new motherboard or select just the path where this is and if it works and I can boot then calmly install all the other drivers with the respective Setup.exe command afterwards.

[RoderickGI]

DISM is a very powerful command. What you found looks fine, but why not just use the first method you found? It looks easier to follow. Plus it was from this year, so well tested I'm sure.

The default location of MC Library Backups is: "C:\Users\[User ID]\Documents\JRiver\Media Center 22\Library Backups"

You will need all the motherboard drivers to get everything working, including audio etc. You might get Windows to boot by just installing the SATA drivers. I would try to install all the drivers for the new motherboard that come in a package together, and then install any peripheral drivers once you have Windows booting. As you aren't replacing your graphics card, that should still work, but I would upgrade its and all other drivers once you are up and running anyway. It's good practice to do so.

[cochinada]

Hello,

This has been a long novel. I wasn't able to find a compatible board because the one I've ordered was faulty (no video output) and I have to return it, so I'm basically upgrading to a new chipset which of course implies a new CPU (different socket as well) and new RAM.

If that wasn't bad enough my motherboard choices were very limited due to my case shape which you can see here: Streacom FC5 EVO Full Aluminium Low Profile Fanless Chassis

My choice ended in an ASRock B360M Pro4 but now I have another huge problem!

I have windows 7 Professional and this is not officially supported anymore. On the ASRock site there are only versions for Windows 10 drivers. I've been doing some searching and found lots of people with the same problem as mine. Invariably the advice has been to upgrade to Windows 10 which I would rather not do unless as a last resource.
Anyway, even if I have to go that route how can I install Windows 10 if the only thing I have is a non working computer and a Windows 7 license? I certainly cannot use the upgrade tool from Microsoft. I would need to be able to download the Windows Installation DVD which I then would need to copy to USB but again I rather stick with Windows 7.

Is there anyway I can make windows 7 work with this new motherboard? 

Thank you.

[Awesome Donkey]

There's a couple problems... one your 8th generation Intel CPU won't function correctly under Windows 7 or 8.1 as it'd only have generic support since Microsoft + Intel don't support CPUs newer than Kaby Lake in Windows 7 and 8.1. Which is to say that you'd have to use Windows 10 to get full support for newer CPUs (Intel's Kaby Lake and above, AMD's Ryzen and above). In addition, using newer CPUs in Windows 7/8.1 causes Windows to disable Windows Updates which is a massive security risk. There's patches/hacks around this I'm sure, but there's other likely possible issues involved. The security implications alone would cause me to recommend the alternatives, which does include upgrading to Windows 10.

Also with the newer hardware issues aside, the way I see it, Windows 7 only has a year left of extended support (ends January 2020) so you'll have to end up having to make a decision a year from now: 1) stick with Windows 7 until the absolute end which means zero security updates, which I wouldn't recommend in this modern world (especially if you plan on upgrading your hardware), 2) upgrade to Windows 10 (yes, you can still update to Windows 10 for free if you have a Windows 7 or 8.1 license) or upgrade to Windows 8.1 (you'd have to get a 8.1 license, which Windows 8.1 has extended support until 2023) though the issue with using newer hardware/CPUs remains the same or finally 4) move to a different operating system like a Linux distro.

I guess the 5th possible choice would be, since you're using the Professional SKU, would be to pay Microsoft money to receive Windows 7 updates for three more years, but then ultimately all you'd be doing is buying time. It's not worth it when you can't even use your newer CPU to its fullest.

Honestly, Windows 10 isn't that bad.

[cochinada]

Thank you very much. I wasn't aware of the limitations also with the CPU. BTW, mine is going to be a Pentium Gold G5500T.

I guess there is no alternative than but to upgrade to Windows 10.

Question: I've just prepared a boot USB from the Microsoft site using their tool. After I install windows 10 can I use my Windows 7 license to register it? If not what are my options?

[Awesome Donkey]

Well, yes, you can use your Windows 7 license (going from Windows 7 Pro to Windows 10 Pro). Though I've seen conflicting reports, some saying you should do an "upgrade" from a fully activated Windows 7 to Windows 10 first then if you desire you can do a clean Windows 10 install. The idea would be to get the upgrade registered before doing a clean install. I guess it makes sense.

Here's how to still get the free upgrade: https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/

More info with a tutorial: https://news.softpedia.com/news/how-to-activate-windows-10-with-a-windows-7-product-key-in-2018-523637.shtml

Some more info here: https://www.zdnet.com/article/hands-on-with-windows-10-upgrading-installing-and-activating-in-the-real-world/

And even more info here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_install/how-to-install-and-activate-windows-10-using-your/d713f9f9-e91f-4ffe-a3c0-7ef9639a0559

Good luck!

[cochinada]

Thank you again 

Boy this is confusing... I've read all the links. Some say you should enter the key from Windows 7 during the installation. Some say you should postpone this and say "I have no key" and another suggests you enter another key (a generic license) and later change the key using your original Windows 7 key.

I think I'll follow this one:

"If you’ve never installed and activated Windows 10 on this computer before, enter your Windows 10 key here. If you don’t have one, but you have a valid Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key, enter it here instead."

[Awesome Donkey]

The latter one seems the most logical to me, since it's still working last time I heard. If that fails, there's always the phone activation method (which is outlined there too in one of the links) which has never failed me in the past.

[cochinada]

Hello guys.
I have great news and I would like to thank you all for all the help so far!
I have installed windows 10 using my Windows 7 key and afterwards MC22 but here I think I messed up because I chose option custom...
I was able also to restore my library but I have a problem which I'm pretty sure it has to do with the association or not that I made with pictures as in jpg and MC22.
The thing is that I can't see my nice covers 
All I see instead are big blue musical notes. Please help!

[Awesome Donkey]

Have you tried building the missing thumbnails?

MC Options > Tree & View > Thumbnails > Build missing thumbnails...

[cochinada]

Doing it now but it's going to take some time because it detected about 60k thumbnails and has only processed 2k so far...
So, you're saying that this has nothing to do with the way I've installed MC22? At some stage it asked me which extensions I did want to associate with JRiver. I didn't change anything but noticed that most of the image extensions were not selected.

[cochinada]

It worked!!! After almost 2h almost all icons are good! You're the man! 

[cochinada]

All I have to do now is to arrange some icons that for no apparent reason don't show up as covers but as musical notes instead.
The workaround I found was using mp3tag (or similar program) to delete and re-attach the cover to the individual files. I don't know why but it is not enough to simply have the 'folder.jpg' in the same folder as all the files.

One other thing I'm trying to find is where I can define how often the automatic Library backup takes place. So far didn't find it.

[Awesome Donkey]

That's odd, I have a couple albums with folder.jpg files and they show up correctly. That and they usually show after rebuilding thumbnails. Hmmm. I guess embedding them works (I do this with the majority of albums)?

Try right clicking on an album that's not showing album art, Cover Art > Rebuild Thumbnail and see if that helps.

There's no setting to change the interval of automatic library backups (though, it's a good idea, IMO). I usually do manual backups every other day.

[cochinada]

That's a much better workaround than mine. Works like a charm. Thank you.