CPU upgrade and windows

This has probably been asked before, but I used the search function and couldn't find what I was looking for, so:

I am upgrading my CPU, an AMD 3800+ to an AMD 4800+ X2 on the Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard.

First, an I going to have to reinstall windows after the change (yes, I plan to do a full backup first)?

Second, if so, do I have to reinstall all my programs (mostly games, e-mail, word processing and browsing software) or can I install the windows over the old install?

Third, what is the BEST way to go about this. I have a 400gb Seagate HDD installed, and a blank 250GB Seagate I can backup to (its the previous drive).

I am trying to avoid tons of problems, so any suggestions would be most welcome.

 

welcome to Major Geeks trumbo. You don't have to reinstall Windows when upgrading the CPU. You only have to flash the CPU driver. So it's not necessary to worry about the other two questions. If you wish to reinstal anyway, or just for the record , if you reformat the hard drive to install Windows you do have to install every single program you had on the old installation. As far as I know you can't install Windows over the previous one.

 

Flash the CPU driver? What you talking about, Willis? Oh, and we're talking about XP pro here, not Vista or a beta of Vista. I don't move to a new OS until at least service pack 1.