This is probably a stupid mobo question but.....

[ScottyB]

Do I have to format if I install a new mobo/cpu?

 

[JaRb0y]

depends on the motherboard chipset. if intel to intel or same to same chipset, then you maybe be able to. intel to via or via to intel, or any other chipsets a reformat is needed. i would reformat anyway just to get that clean install and everything.

 

[ScottyB]

thanks

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: JaRb0y
depends on the motherboard chipset. if intel to intel or same to same chipset, then you maybe be able to. intel to via or via to intel, or any other chipsets a reformat is needed. i would reformat anyway just to get that clean install and everything.

That is rather odd advice.

The make of chipset makes no difference. Reformatting would be great in a perfect world, but not everyone wants to wipe their drive clean.

A better solution would be to re-install the OS rather than formating. If using win9x based OS's, you could deltree windows and install a fresh OS. Booting off the CD for Win2k and WinXP gives you the option of overwriting the current OS install, effectively deleting the OS and installing a fresh one.

 

[Megatomic]

While some people don't like reinstalling OS/apps/games/etc.. it is always THE BEST option when installing a new motherboard. A fresh registry is a good thing when you are dealing with new gear as you don't have to worry about conflicting reg entries when trying to troubleshoot lockups and other malfunctions.

 

[Dogsbody]

I have to agree with Seeking Tao. Every time I've changed a motherboard without formatting the hard drive I've ended up doing it down the road anyway. I'd just as soon get it done and start fresh with the new board.

 

[lenjack]

Not at stupid question.

 

[KiltedFool]

Doesn't look like a stupid question to me, I've nearly asked it here several times.

My solution to this sort of question is 2 non RAID hard drives, one more or less backup to the other. Whenever I make a major hardware change (I do upgrades in batches rather than piecemeal) I make sure all files are on the master drive and format the slave. Then drop in new mobo/vid card/whatever and build system with the blank slave as new master, then slave the old master in so I don't lose my files. I still have to reinstall a decent amount of software, but I keep some continuity. Clean install on master drive, and I still have all my digital pics and docs and resumes etc handy. Of course burning archive CD-Rs would also serve similar purpose.

KF

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I replaced a AK31A that died due to my abusiveness with a 8K3A changing nothing else, simply swapping the boards, and the system booted up like the board had always been there, the system never even hiccuped despite running SETI&ECCp 24/7 and being overclocked right up to the day I sold it months later. So, my experience was when changing only the board to another that uses the same chipset drivers (at least 4in1's) it can be done successfully under XP pro, YMMV