Motherboard OS installation?

[Refractoryman]

When I install my new cpu / motherboard I do not want to format my hd. Is the following a relatively safe way to try? I know a clean install is the preferred method but I do not want to reload all my apps. What has worked for others?

Misc. Notes:

- Reportedly, Windows 2000 and XP can be tricked into doing this stuff for you. The procedure is this: Shut down, install your new hardware, power on, and enter your system BIOS. Make sure your First Boot Device is set to CDROM. Insert the Windows 2000/XP setup CD and boot from this disk. (You may have to "press a key to boot from CD" as the prompt says.) Skip the initial prompt asking to repair your existing installation. Then proceed to the screen where you select a partition, and choose your existing Windows partition. Setup will detect your existing installation and ask you to repair. Say yes. When Windows Setup is complete, you should have a fully working installation with all your old user and application profiles. Everything should be intact, except your hardware and driver settings, leaving it fresh for your new motherboard.

 

[Refractoryman]

What about Sysprep.exe for Service 2? Anybody tried that?

 

[DaSaint]

i've used sysprep b4 all i can say is that u will have to reactivate ure version of windows if u sysprep it... also u will need the Key. this is a option for you also u could jes try hookin it in see what it does

but if i were u i would put the IDE Drivers back to the generics dont use Intel or Via based drivers on em so it will make it a lil more universal.. 3rd option is plug the board in and use the recovery in the windows OS Disk...

i like sysprep... great proggie

 

[FlyingPenguin]

You don't need to wipe the drive or do a clean install. You can do a repair install. All your apps and data will be untouched. You will have to install all mobo & other hardware drivers afterwards, followed by the lastest Windows Updates (all updates will be lost). Procedure here: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm