Installing new video card

whattaguy

Senior member
Jun 3, 2004
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Is it recommended to reformat the HDD when installing a new video card, or any hardware for that matter? I'm going to upgrade from a GeForce3 Ti200 to a Sapphire 9800Pro Ultimate in my machine. I heard that it's recommended to reformat after any hardware change. Is this true?

Thanks.
 

Todd33

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2003
7,842
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81
You need to destroy the old drive and buy a new one with a fresh format and install, all in a clean room with a space suit on. You may also want to buy a new "clean" CPU.
 
May 10, 2004
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Remove the old drivers. Be sure you have good copies of the new drivers. Watch carefully to avoid static electricity damage, as video cards are extremely susceptible to static. Otherwise, you will have not difficulties and no need to reformat.
 

caz67

Golden Member
Jan 4, 2004
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As previousy stated, just delete the old drivers, and watch at for static etc.
 

batmanuel

Platinum Member
Jan 15, 2003
2,144
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Two words: Driver Cleaner. It made my transition from a GeForce card to a Fire GL as smooth as buttah. I hear Detenator Destroyer works well also, but the last time I tried it on my nForce 2 system it nuked my motherboard drivers along with the graphics drivers.
 

Fern

Elite Member
Sep 30, 2003
26,907
174
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Yes, it's best to reformat if you can. Otherwise be sure to use DriverCleaner or another similar proggie. nVidia leaves nasty driver fragments behind that can/will cause probs
 

imported_chrisbtx

Senior member
Jun 8, 2004
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I had issues going from my Ti 4200 to my current 9800 Pro using just driver cleaner :(... guess I was just one of the unlucky ones. I reinstalled Windows after that and poof! Bye bye problems!