new mobo - reinstall windows?

heyzeus · Mar 15, 2006

i am replacing my mobo and cpu. i'd really like to avoid reinstalling windows. most of my important files are on my non-windows drive, but if i wipe windows on the first drive i'll lose the registry rendering most programs on my second drive useless, right? i dont have all the install files anymore and it would take me forever to get them all back...
suggestions?
thanks in advance!

Clark_Kent · Mar 15, 2006

If you are replacing your mobo and cpu you have no choice but to do a
reformat i knows i just do that a few weeks ago and windows won't even start
when it detect the new hardware it will give you some error message
and it will stop there anyway you are betters to reformat believe me you be happy you did that.....

acejones · Mar 15, 2006

agreed. a few weeks ago a user here had to do the same thing b/c he installed a new mb on an old hard drive and it wouldn't ever (i mean EVER) boot into windows.

ACE 256 · Mar 15, 2006

Its a windows thing..... All you have to do is change the IDE controler driver to "standerd IDE PCI controller" Windows fails to load due to it still trying to load the old IDE driver..after it loads on "standerd IDE" it will pick up the new IDE controller and install drivers for it ..

heyzeus · Mar 15, 2006

i knew there was a way, because last time i did this i had someone do it for me and i was given my new mobo+cpu with my old hd (and all my stuff still on it) working fine.

but..lets say i do reinstall. how do i save the programs on drive 2 like i mentioned above, copy the registry? what about a windows repair. it is xp pro sp2.

DavidGP · Mar 15, 2006

Theoretically and it has a hit and miss sucess rate is that you can change the motherboard, cpu and keep your original XP install, but you have to on first boot.. boot to an original full XP cd ( not a OEM or restore cd that some PC makers give out ) and once booted choose the option to "repair" XP this will basically re-install XP but change any hardware drivers that maybe needed for the new hardware ( which is what I gues you had done before? ).

You will have to re-install all or any service packs and updates post your version CD of XP once the above completes.

Seems to work well if the Chipsets are the same from old to new mobo, PLUS and a big PLUS it doesnt always work and a full re-install is needed.. so backups of important data is essential.

WARNING: the above will not always work, so on your own head if you decide to go that route.

to the question of a registry backup from old to new... would have too many old registry keys left/changed from the old setup and would most likely crash alot if start at all.

For installed programs on the 2nd drive, you couldnt just copy them as you would need the original installer files so the program would be setup correctly again too many registry settings, system hooks to copy sucessfully.

Clean install is the prefered and most sucessful option, but the problem is your install programs on the 2nd HD, in which you will need the original installer CDs or Files for sucess, sadly no easy way around this.

heyzeus · Mar 21, 2006

by the way...i didnt reinstall windows and everything runs a-ok

Insomniac · Mar 21, 2006

For now anyway, it won't last.

You should either do a repair to prevent stop errors and driver problems, or a format and install.

Log in or Sign up

new mobo - reinstall windows?

heyzeus Private E-2

Clark_Kent MajorGeek

acejones A Different Title

ACE 256 MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Overclocking Expe

heyzeus Private E-2

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

heyzeus Private E-2

Insomniac Billy Ray Cyrus #1 Fan