How necessary is it to reformat after installing a new MB

[Syringer]

?

 

[CraigRT]

no real way of answering.
if your OS wont work after you replace the mobo, then it's necessary...... if it works after you replace and there are no problems, not necessary.
I have done mobo swaps before and not formatted. but I have also had to format for a few.

 

[yanon]

If your computer can boot into Winxp, then all you need to do is install some new drivers that is specific to the chipset. If you can't boot into Winxp, then you need to reformat and install winxp from scratch. I have replaced a Via based motherboard with a SiS based motherboard without any problems.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: yanon
If your computer can boot into Winxp, then all you need to do is install some new drivers that is specific to the chipset. If you can't boot into Winxp, then you need to reformat and install winxp from scratch. I have replaced a Via based motherboard with a SiS based motherboard without any problems.

yeah, that's pretty much whats up.
I have replaced an i815 mobo with a KT133A mobo with Win2K and it worked fine with new drivers.. format was not needed at all. everything went perfectly smooth.

 

[Trey22]

Or you can try a XP Repair Install.

I had a link to a guide w/ the entire process (not really elaborate). Let me see if I can track it down. Saves you a format and reinstall.