New Mobo install

[Soapm]

I just bought a new mobo. I am going from a AMD 550MMX to a 2.4 gig P4. It has been more than 3 years since I have to do a fresh install and have everything setup just the way I like it. What is the best way to change my mobo without having to do a new install of the operating system?

A friend suggested I gut out the device manager, shut down and change the board. His logic is that there will not be any conflicts with old drivers and plug and pray should recognize and load the new drivers. Does this make since?

 

[smthmlk]

backup your data, bookmarks, email folders, etc etc. then format, and reinstall. there's too much that can go wrong with your friends logic, though it is a popular notion for avoiding full reinstalls. personal experience shows winodws needs a complete format & reinstall every 4-6 months for optimum performance (once you see a blue screen randomly, you know you're a week or 2 away from a format). this is just my view on windows tho..

-smth

 

[GregMal]

You certainly can try it, but I agree........Do a clean install with a modern
OS (2000, XP).............You'll have alot less problems............Greg

 

[EeyoreX]

What version of Windows? I find that my Windows 2000 and XP boxes do not need to be reinstalled every "4-6 months" for any reason, much less performance. My machines have been running just fine without the need for this. Older Windows OSes (read: any 9x kernal) needed this IMO.

That being said, I do agree that a full reinstall is in order as you are jumping quite a bit in terms of chipset. You can, if you are using Windows XP (and 2000 I believe) install your new mobo then boot with your Windows CD and do a repair install (NOT the recovery console, but when the install routine gives you the option of upgrading your current install) This has worked for a large number of users here, though I prefer and recommend a full install just because, while the logic is technically sound, there are, as was mentioned, too many things that could go wrong.

\Dan