Upgrading to a new motherboard... do I really HAVE to do a fresh install?

[tnguyen88]

I'm going to be upgrading from a Via KT133 chipset system to a NForce2 based system. Basically what I'd like to do is just plug my hard drives into the new setup, install the Nforce2 drivers and go from there. Is Windows XP "smart" enough to remove the Via drivers automatically? Will I have to somehow uninstall them before moving my drives over to the new system? I know that a fresh install is generally the smart thing to do, but there are a few factors that make me want to avoid going through the process of a fresh install.

Thanks in advanced...

 

[mechBgon]

You could just force WinXP to install over itself. Set the new board's BIOS to boot from CD-ROM and run a re-installation (not a repair). Don't let it reformat the drive (obviously). If you've used the Encrypting File System, read AndyHui's stickified thread at the top of the Operating Systems forum. Here's another item that may help: Helping Windows Survive a Motherboard Replacement. Good luck

 

[boomerang]

Read my gushy reply here.

Using what I read at the FAQ, I did two mobo swaps. Worked very well.

 

[Buzzman151]

Non-Subscriber link to what Boomerang posted

 

[tnguyen88]

Thanks for all the info guys, I'm probably going to try out the repair thing. I sure hope this works Last thing I need to do is spend another 10 hours setting up my system again.