Windows XP, replacing motherboard/processor

[QUOTH]

So my motherboards have been dying. I think I need a new processor, or a different kind of motherboard.

If I replace either or both, will I have to reistall windows?

 

[ChronoReverse]

If you do the proper preparations (I believe you can google for it), you should be able to. If you haven't had to activate for the past 6 months, you should be able to get past activation too.

 

[Chosonman]

The answer is yes if the motherboard. Probably no for just the CPU.

 

[bruceb]

You could try removing the old motherboard
chipset drivers and doing a repair install of
windows (F8 at first XP CD prompt, then R)
You do not want the Recovery Console.
It will work 99% of the time. Worst case, it does
not and then you need a full reinstall. Either way
be sure you have backups of all your Personal Files
in case you need them. And be sure you have all
your Product IDS and License Keys / Reg Codes needed
for all programs you need to reinstall.

 

[Captante]

The processer itself won't do anything aside from maybe making you re-activate Windows ... worst-case this would require a phonecall to Microsoft.

The motherboard is potentially a more serious problem, but if you go with a model based on the identical chipset so it uses the same drivers the odds of success are good ... just be sure to note all BIOS settings & manually configure the new MB before Windows loads up for the first time.

 

[QUOTH]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm thinking on going with a totally different motherboard. Different specs, manufacturer ect. Going from micro btx [damn dell] to atx or micro atx.

Ive got a few hundred gigs of video files [video editing software] that are all connected to a program. It'd be a huge job to link them all in again, if it's even possible.


It's been suggested that my problem is my PSU. I'm gonna try replacing the PSU and motherboard [same model] and assume the processor is OK.

 

[nerp]

Is this retail or OEM XP? If retail, you really have nothing to worry about and you're entitled to trasnfer the license to another computer.

 

[QUOTH]

Retail thankfully, but good point to raise for people searching.

 

[MTDEW]

Prepare for un-install of old mobo.
1: Uninstall your video / soundcard drivers

2: Replace your SATA / IDE drivers with the default Xp ones.
Go To Control Panel + System + Device Manager +IDE ATA / Atapi Controllers.
Right click on each entry and choose Update Driver + Install From List + "Don't Search, I will choose a driver...." and then select Standard Dual Channel PCI-IDE Controller.

3: Now, you can "reset" device manager, so it will detect new hardware from scratch just like it did the first time you built your pc....it will detect your new mobo as if you just installed windows....to do this....
a: Insert your XP cd.
b: Use windows explorer to find the SUPPORT/TOOLS directory and locate the deploy.cab file.
c: Right click on the deploy.cab file and select explore to open it.
d: Copy sysprep.exe and setupcl.exe to your desktop.

4: Now double click sysprep.exe and then hit the ok button.
On the next screen , just ignore all text and simply click Reseal.
This application completely wipes the rest of Windows records from the hardware in your pc, forcing redetection of all hardware the next time you reboot.

5: shutdown your pc and remove old mobo.

6: install the new mobo and upon reboot windows will detect your new mobo and there will be no "old hardware driver" issues.

NOTE: YOU WILL HAVE TO RE-ACTIVATE WINDOWS AFTER USING THE sysprep.exe COMMAND!

 

[QUOTH]

Wow, thorough. Thanks. Thankfully I probably won't be changing mobo, and if I was it'd be because my current one is damaged so I don't have the luxury of taking those steps.

But good to know, useful for searchers.

 

[Lorne]

Hmmm, I did that and BSOD alot, It was because I was going to a duelcore and the HAL and socket type dll didnt like it, I just gave up and started over, I made my backups before of course.

Just to let you know it isnt always that easy, But Ive done that previously with none to minor problems.