new Mboard and chip w/out OS clean install

[Fike]

I am preparing an upgrade from an Athlon XP 1600 to an Athlon 63 3000+ (90nm). I am trying to decide if I will be able to get away with backing up my data and install files, then installing the hardware, and then only updating the OS drivers. Will the Windows installer allow me to keep my apps installed without having to redo everything from scratch. It takes me several weeks to get my system back up to a fully operational level with all my peculiar apps, patches and plugins to photoshop.

Have you been successful with this sort of upgrade procedure?

fike

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Yes, it can be done. However, I really wouldn't suggest it.

If you do insist on it, use the Sysprep tool for Windows XP to flush your system's hardware configuration. You'll at least have a cleaner base to start from.

But I'd suggest a full format.

- M4H

 

[jackschmittusa]

I agree with MercenaryForHire. I've seen it work, but there is always something that still needs fixed. I think starting with a clean registry and drivers is the way to go. I think it is a pain just customizing Windows the way I like it to work, let alone the apps, but I still think it is worth it.

 

[fell8]

I've done it several times and never had a problem. Of course it may or may not have affected performance.

 

[sandorski]

Repair Install. Done it many times, works like a charm.

 

[Fike]

how bad could the performance hit possibly be? I have reinstalled new video cards or expansion cards frequently and the hit has not been that bad. I would think the hit from obsolete software installs (unused DLLs) would be far greater than a few hardware related entries. How many drivers are we talking about anyway? 2, 4, or 50 drivers?

I think I will give it a shot, but only after preparing for disaster.

 

[CraigRT]

I've done that so many times for ppl who do not want to lose their stuff, works most of the time without problems.

I always attempt it first, because if it it works fine, why not keep it... prepare for the worst, and expect for the best. can't go wrong.

 

[foxkm]

What you should do with XP upgrade is if you are switching motherboard chipset brands (ie SIS->Intel) first try changing the IDE controller to the Default IDE Controller from the driver designed for the chipset manufacturer. Then you can swap motherboards out and let XP redect the new hardware. This doesn't work all the time as some motherboards will use different HAL's which create the base layer for all drivers.

Good Luck

 

[Fike]

hmmmm... pretty interesting.....,So, in order to maximize the chances of the HAL being compatible and since I have an Abit KG7 based on a VIA chipset, I would have the best chance of success with another VIA board instead of the nVidia chipset which seems to be the preference of the AT community. I have been lkooking at the Abit AV8 which has a VIA chipset and may reuse some HAL components from the old socket A KG7 I have currently.

vely vely interesting.
fike