Got new mobo/chip..Must I reformat HDD?

[MysticPhantom]

Hi, I recently upgraded my motherboard and my chip. I was reading up on ways I can just plug my harddrive in and keep all my current informtion. I was wondering if anybody had an recent experience on this and whats the method they used. I am using Windows XP pro with sp2. I've heard some people say, use the repair option. I've heard others say to DL the drivers for each new piece of equipment. Let me know what you've tried or done?

Thanks,

~Mystic

 

[Cutthroat]

The best way is to backup your data and reinstall. You can use the other methods you mentioned, but no guarantees it will work, and it's never going to be quite right.

 

[Steaksauce]

do a repair install. You want to d/l the drive to the NIC (ethernet port) on your mobo if you don't have the mobo driver disc. If you have that, you'll be able to d/l everything else later. Repair works well and you don't have to reinstall all of the apps and such other than the service packs and updates.

 

[Severian]

Another vote for backup and clean install. Even with a repair install, it's never going to be perfect, and you'll have to live with the quirks until you finally break down and do it right.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Another vote for backup and reload, howvever you can sometimes get away with a repair install doing ok