Swapping Neo Plat. for DFI UT nF3

[modedepe]

Any tips on how to swap these two mobos without needing a reinstall? Yes, I know I should reinstall but I definitely don't have the time now.

 

[bjc112]

You can go into Device Manager and remove EVERYTHING, and then do your WinXP install..

Sometimes it works out well, other times it does not..

I personally would back up my drive, and format.

Saves and headaches down the road as well.

 

[modedepe]

Thanks for the input.

I would prefer to do the reinstall but I'm only going to as a last resort, if I have issues. The time associated with restoring all my files, reinstalling programs, and then configuring the programs is going to be too much.

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: modedepe
Thanks for the input.

I would prefer to do the reinstall but I'm only going to as a last resort, if I have issues. The time associated with restoring all my files, reinstalling programs, and then configuring the programs is going to be too much.

True..

Give a shot and see.. Remove EVERYTHING. It may work out just fine, or you may run into a headache.

Keep us posted.

 

[Ausm]

I have done it in the past by hacking the registry but for the most part I would never recommend anything but a clean install.

Ausm

 

[aatf510]

I swap my ASUS A8V with a ABIT AV8 5 months ago without doing anything to Windows. My PC is still running fine now.

 

[Matthias99]

AT FAQ/Guide to doing this

I recommend the method described at the bottom (using the "Repair Install" option in the WinXP installer). This worked just fine for me, although I did need to reinstall my MB/video drivers after it was done to get everything working 100% (of course, I also went from an NVIDIA to ATI graphics card, so that might have had something to do with it).

 

[JBT]

It should actually just work swapping the mobo out. I just did it with a NF3 set up my self. It was an Epox NF3 8KDA3J and swapped it the DFI your getting. It booted up fine and they just needed some drivers reinstalled off the DFI CD. I just did this to see if it would work which it did. I reformated anyways just to be safe.

I actually did this before with my old NF2 board too. A7N8X to the Epox NF3 I just mentioned. It worked fine and just needed drivers reinstalled. Again after this test I formated for fun.

 

[Cygni]

Nforce -> Nforce, you should be fine. Via -> Via, you should be fine.

Any brand switch, like SiS -> Nforce or Via -> Nforce, and you are in for a long night if you are trying not to reinstall.

 

[Ike0069]

I also suggest using the "repair" function. Works great and you still keep all your data.

 

[modedepe]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Looks like this will be doable. I'll switch them either tonight or tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

 

[modedepe]

Well, did the switch. Went perfectly, seems every bit as stable as before.

 

[Ike0069]

What exactly did you do in preperation for the swap?

 

[modedepe]

Originally posted by: Ike0069
What exactly did you do in preperation for the swap?

Not much. I made sure everything I needed was backed up incase I had to reinstall and had the newest nF3 reference drivers. I was planning on doing the repair install, but actually ran into some problems with that so I ended up booting into Windows. I had to supply the driver but that was about it. Pretty painless to say the least. Only problem was then I had to reactivate Windows.