Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
There is a trick to upgrading your platform without reinstalling the OS and all your apps.
Initially, you should always back up your data before doing any work to a PC.
Ok. now this should've been done before you just ripped everything apart and put the new mobo/processor in.
With your dad's old system the way it was, boot into Windows, then insert the Windows 2000/XP CD into the CD drive.
Wait for the autostart options for the CD to come up.
Choose "Install Windows 2000/XP" and then choose "Upgrade (recommended)"
Your computer will start copying files from the CD onto the hard drive and will then countdown 15 seconds and reboot itself. THIS IS WHERE YOU ACT.
When it shuts down in order to reboot, you hold in the power button for 5 seconds to shut the machine off.
NOW you swap all the hardware out. Put in your new mobo, CPU, vid card etc etc.
When your all done swapping parts out, Your going to boot up to the Windows XP installation upgrade you started earlier.
This will detect all of your new hardware and reinstall Windows for you. All this without losing your applications, data. Keep in mind you will still have to update drivers for your new mobo chipset and whatever else came on the CD for the board.
I have done this many many times.