question about building my computer

[mangled]

I've built computers before, but usually from scratch.

I'll be upgrading my current system with a new ECS board and faster cpu. I'm currently running WinXP.

Now I realize I'll have to wipe my system and reinstall - I've already begun backing up so that's not a problem. Question is, since my OS is on the hard drive right now, should I wipe the hard drive then do the moboard/cpu upgrade, or do the moboard/cpu upgrade and then wipe the hard drive and install?

I'm sure it probably doesn't matter. But just want to be sure if I don't wipe the hard drive I won't get some funky results...any suggestions for a trouble free upgrade?

 

[Willoughbyva]

Change the stuff out and then clean install OS.

 

[microAmp]

With WinXP, it won't matter, since you'll be booting to the CD to install it and you can format it there too.