Is it necessary to format HD when installing new mobo

[gerryf]

I am upgrading my system switching from an Epox 8KTA3 mobo with 1.0 G Athlon to an MSI KT3Ultra2 board with an Athlon 2000+ CPU. I am currently running Windows XP Home Edition. My question is - - do I have to reformat the HD and do a clean install of XP and all applications, or can I just reinstall XP and overwrite the current installation. I would prefer to do the latter, but I am told that I might have problems if I don't wipe the HD clean and start from scratch. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Since you're going from one board using 4in1 drivers to another it'll work, just update to the latest 4in1s and do the swap. I swapped a AK31A with a 8K3A using XP and it didn't even hiccup, no new hardware found...zilch! I hear peeps complain about it never working for them but my experience has differed. Just remember to install the drivers for the Realtek ALC650 if you're using it and not a audigy or somethin'. Besides the worst case senario is you have to do the clean install anyways

 

[gerryf]

Thanks man, I'll give it a try. It sure would make life easier for me if it works. Another question - - if I do run into some problems, would you suggest I try just reinstalling the Windows XP before I wipe the HD clean?

 

[flawedexistence]

Yes, but here's how to do it. When you get to the point where XP is asking whether you want to do an install or repair the current installation, choose repair. Instead of just overwriting everything, XP will just take note of hardware and/or driver changes (somewhat simplified). This will work in most cases. If not, a fresh install is the only way to go. I might add that a lot of guys just go ahead and reformat just to get rid of the accumulated junk on the HDD, which is not a bad idea, LOL.

 

[Oakenfold]

Bah, quit being lazy!
Just re-format, install OS,Drivers etc, run drive image, blam...
You are golden!

 

[gerryf]

Thanks guys ..... Oak, you are right man. Most times taking the easy way out will eventually lead to problems.

 

[Oakenfold]

Originally posted by: gerryf
Thanks guys ..... Oak, you are right man. Most times taking the easy way out will eventually lead to problems.

Quick n Dirty's are good during exam periods, that's it man...




I've been lazy too before.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Sheep!

 

[Ranger X]

It is but it gets really messy. I've done it before but I can recall getting bluescreens so I remember formatting. It's do-able though.

 

[emjem]

Rebuilding a typical system from hdd format to where it needs to be involves anywhere from 20 - 60 hours of time. And that's not counting the frustration you suffer when you find out that there is something you need installed but can't find it.

With a new mobo you shouldn't even have to reinstall the operating system.

So my answer to you is do not reformat unless the new system is unstable or wacky. I mean, what have you got to lose by sticking with the existing hdd set up to see how it goes? Even then, if the new system is unstable the next best move is to reinstall the operating system on top of itself. That works at fixing problems 90% of the time.

If your system is still mucked up after that, well, it was probably mucked up before you installed the new mobo, lol, and it's time for a format.

 

[gerryf]

Thanks Emjem and no offence intended Punisher ... after your initial post my intention was always to try the straight switch first and go from there. I'm going to fly at it tomorrow and see what happens.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: emjem
Rebuilding a typical system from hdd format to where it needs to be involves anywhere from 20 - 60 hours of time. And that's not counting the frustration you suffer when you find out that there is something you need installed but can't find it.

With a new mobo you shouldn't even have to reinstall the operating system.

So my answer to you is do not reformat unless the new system is unstable or wacky. I mean, what have you got to lose by sticking with the existing hdd set up to see how it goes? Even then, if the new system is unstable the next best move is to reinstall the operating system on top of itself. That works at fixing problems 90% of the time.

If your system is still mucked up after that, well, it was probably mucked up before you installed the new mobo, lol, and it's time for a format.

I upgraded from AMD to Intel P4 and took me only like 2hours. The OS install was the longest part. Just download any drivers you need and burn to a CD.

 

[Toxic]

I prefer to avoid problems and do a clean install each time I add another mobo. I keep my drive fairly clean (no un-used stuff on this one), so it normally takes me a couple of hours. Like someone else mentioned - get everything you need and burn to CD BEFORE you install. It's not a bad idea to ghost (image) the drive after the install (after adding drivers, SP's and whatnot) to get a clean install later if you need it (and with windows, you almost always will)

 

[1luckymf]

Yes. Reformat. It will save you time in the longrun. And I'm sure everything will run a lot smoother with less conflicts. Not to mention theheadaches you'll get trying to figure out what the conflicts are.

 

[Oakenfold]

Originally posted by: emjem
Rebuilding a typical system from hdd format to where it needs to be involves anywhere from 20 - 60 hours of time. And that's not counting the frustration you suffer when you find out that there is something you need installed but can't find it.

With a new mobo you shouldn't even have to reinstall the operating system.

So my answer to you is do not reformat unless the new system is unstable or wacky. I mean, what have you got to lose by sticking with the existing hdd set up to see how it goes? Even then, if the new system is unstable the next best move is to reinstall the operating system on top of itself. That works at fixing problems 90% of the time.

If your system is still mucked up after that, well, it was probably mucked up before you installed the new mobo, lol, and it's time for a format.

20-60 hours? Good lord man, do you have all software known to man on your HDD's?

 

[gerryf]

An update guys ... well, I downloaded the latest 4in1s and installed them prior to switching the mobos. After the switch my system booted up with no problems whatsoever. So far it is running stable with no glitches (touch wood). We'll see how it fares over the coming days................

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: gerryf
An update guys ... well, I downloaded the latest 4in1s and installed them prior to switching the mobos. After the switch my system booted up with no problems whatsoever. So far it is running stable with no glitches (touch wood). We'll see how it fares over the coming days................

It'll be fine