Upgrading a PC processor/motherboard

[bangraman]

I'm about to upgrade one of my creakier computers which has Windows XP Professional SP2 installed, and I'm wondering what happens if I install a new processor and motherboard (Intel 3.0Ghz + Asus i875 motherboard). Currently it is an Athlon XP 2000+ and an older Asus motherboard. Does XP just pick up the new resources on the motherboard and do a bit of re-jigging? Or is there a bigger problem?

 

[roadtonowhere08]

Uninstall all MB related software prior to making the switch and you should be alright. I accept no responsibility for a major BORK though

EDIT: I am almost positive that you will be fine if you uninstall all MB progs. before.

 

[bangraman]

Do you mean the Asus Probe? I don't think I have anything else motherboard related... or do you mean drivers?

 

[Mr.Radar]

Yes, uninstall the motherboard drivers. For Via chipsets it'd be the Via 4-in-1 drivers, for nVidia chipsets it'd be the nForce drivers, I have no clue what Intel chipsets use. Also, back up all your important data and keep your Windows disk handy because your Windows install could decide to die when you try to boot it up after you install your new mobo. If that happens try a repair install before a full re-install.

 

[450]

Remember to uninstall intel integrated video if you have it, and set it to a standard setting.

 

[minya]

A Windows reinstall after a motherboard replacement is always sound practice.

- Chris

 

[slick]

honestly, i would format and reinstall windows. i went from an abit nf7-s nforce 2 motherboard and 2500+ xp to an asus nforce3 250gb motherboard and a64 processor without formating and just uninstalling the old motherboard drivers, it still wasnt the same.
i had stability issues, crappy performance (lots of stuttering doing simple things like minimizing and maximizing windows).
go ahead and try the swap, if it seems odd after you trade out the equipment, like the performance and such, you might want to consider a format.
just a thought, i think you would benefit from a full reinstall.

 

[tortie]

Just went that route. I had a Pentium 4 1.4G and upgraded to an Athlon64 2800+. My new system would not boot into Windows XP. I had to reformat my drive and install Windows again.

This is no biggie since formatting a hard drive for a new system is highly recommened, but be sure to save your important files before your disassemble your old setup. This is to prevent the hassle of having to assemble your old system again just access important files that you left in your hard disk.

 

[wallijonn]

bangraman,

I'd also do a complete data backup, email & bookmarks backup, utilities, updates, game saves, music, pics, docs, etc. before trying it.

Since you are changeing the whole mobo it'll need new HD chipset drivers, new cpu controller chipsets, new USB chipset drivers, new sound chip drivers, etc. I'd reformat it just so that it may catch any bad blocks. If you have more mem in the new PC it'll probably need a resized swap space, especially if you use static swap space size.

Besides, if it is over a year old it is best to start out with a clean registry - you'll get rid of a lot of bloat.

I hope you're using a slip streamed SP2 CD, well, just because...

But yeah - even if you do backup your data, and since you will have to register WXP, I'd try it - just to see if it can be done.

 

[null]

Isn't there a Windows XP thing in which if you've upgraded major parts of your pc you have to re-activate the program or something?

 

[wallijonn]

If you change two major parts of the five that they look for (like CDRom s/n, NIC s/n, cpu s/n, mobo s/n, soundcard s/n, etc.) you'll have to re-register.

 

[mjg]

yea, the problem is, windows isn't a very "portable" like linux os's can be.
When you do this, it will pretty much redetect alot of the hardware since it's going to pretty much think see a brand new set of conmponents, as hardware addresses changed and they are plug and play. Never had big problems with doing that, just uninstall the motherboard stuff, chipset drivers, onboard audio if u had it... and if you can clean them totally out of the registry manually to be sure the stuff is gone.


I'd definatly consider building the OS from scratch, since sometimes it ends up flaky, especially with windows XP. Also a good idea if you keep the OS is to reinstall service pack.

 

[Talonz]

In my experience, if you are jumping from AMD to Intel, chances are you will need to reinstall windows. Also, jumping from core to core (p3 vs p4, not prescott vs northwood) normally requires a reinstall. Besides, it will save you a lot of trouble down the road, trust me

 

[skitlets]

Well, if you don't reinstall, booting into safe-mode helps as drivers aren't loaded, making the uninstalling of old ones a bit easier.

 

[skr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by null Isn't there a Windows XP thing in which if you've upgraded major parts of your pc you have to re-activate the program or something?

Not if you can install the corporate edition...