how do I propely prep windows xp install with completely diff hardware

[Fusion5303]

My dad has a Athlon XP system I build for him about 5 years ago. I'm about to completely upgrade my PC and I'm giving him my motherboard, memory, video card etc to him. Now he runs windows xp with SP3. Can I use sysprep on his current build, shut it down, put new board in and finish prep for the new hardware or do I have to do something different? He would rather not have to install it since he has important information he'd rather not lose.

 

[Billb2]

Assuming you're going to be keeping his HDD(s):
Easiest, but least likely to succeed - Just add the components and see if it will post.
Second choice, more likely to succeed - If the above will boot to safe mode, run a Windows repair install.
Third choice, always works. Backup data, get copies of the latest drivers that you need, reformat, do a clean install, update drivers, reinstall all programs, restore data.

Sysprep won't do what you want. You could use it to install the drivers when doing a clean install though. But if you're not going to be doing a bunch or reformats/reinstalls, it's kind of a waste of time.

 

[VirtualLarry]

read the sticky in the motherboards forum. There are several methods and some gotchas.

 

[SkyDiver]

I have done this 3 or 4 times over the past 5+ years. I follow the procedure linked below. It sounds like MS even asked the guy for permission to use the procedure.

Change hardware w/o re-installing software