Replace Mobo + CPU without Reformat?

[JosephBAdams]

Guys and gals, I want to replace my motherboard and CPU without reformatting my hard drive. I understand that it's not advisable, but I want to do it anyway. I have everything backed up to a second hard drive in case it doesn't work well. I'm running Windows XP Professional

What do I need to do in order to minimize any problems? My plan is to simply plug my extant hard drive into the new system. The only components changing will be the CPU, mobo, and memory.

I have read that I just need to go into Add/Remove Hardware and then remove the applicable components from the registry. Is this correct?

 

[MegaVovaN]

I had my WinXP Pro on a socket A system, built a new dual core rig (see sig for both rig's specs) and booted into my old windows install just fine. However, I reinstalled it anyway, just to start from a clean slate.

 

[MarcVenice]

It can be done, look around on the Operating Systems forum, or ask there.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: JosephBAdams
The only components changing will be the CPU, mobo, and memory.

I'm guessing XP will see it as a new PC and shut down on you.

 

[jdw2]

When you swap the motherboard and CPU just run a Repair Install from the WinXP disk. That should get you back into Windows without formatting.

 

[JosephBAdams]

Thanks folks. I'm leaning toward reformatting and putting Vista 64 bit on there.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: JosephBAdams
The only components changing will be the CPU, mobo, and memory.

I'm guessing XP will see it as a new PC and shut down on you.

I think it depends on what kind of Windows license you have.

 

[Blain]

It's like buying a brand new house and moving in your "treasure".
Kind of takes the sparkle off the whole deal. :laugh:

 

[JosephBAdams]

Well, the license that I had on my old mobo/CPU was the copy of Windows that came with my retail Dell computer.

 

[Blain]

Then it's a Dell OEM XP OS and only to be loaded on a Dell PC.

 

[JosephBAdams]

Thanks. It sounds like I should go for Vista 64-bit.