Formatting for new motherboard...

[iamaelephant]

Well unfortunately my new 64 bit motherboard and CPU combo didn't arrive today like I assumed it would, but it will definately be here tomorrow (I'm thinking of calling in sick for work ).

Anyway, because I currently have a VIA chipset and I'm going to be installing an nForce 3 motherboard (MSI K8N Neo Platinum), I figure it's pretty important for me to format my hard disk. I'm just going to do a full format the same way I always do (booting from the Windows XP CD) but I'm wondering how I should do it? Do I boot off the CD on my current hardware and just turn off the computer after the install is finished (before the Windows setup) and do the Windows setup on the new hardware, or do I put all my new hardware in and boot off the CD the first time I boot it up?

Hopefully someone understands my strange question....

 

[h4vvok]

Uh, format, put the new hardware in after making a Windows XP Boot Disc set (Typically 6 floppies) and then install Windows XP....your question doesn't really make much sense, but the above is a good procedure when installing new hardware. You may also need to call microsoft to manually activate Windows XP if it thinks the hardware change is too "drastic"

 

[iamaelephant]

Why do I need a Windows XP boot disk, can't I just use the CD?

 

[Link]

Yes you can. Get new computer. Build new computer. Boot into bios. Set CD booting before HD booting. Insert CD. Reboot. Install XP with full format. Enjoy your shiney new PC

 

[iamaelephant]

Cool cheers for your help mate, I've put it all together and all I need to do now is clip on the CPU/HSF and fire it up

Might take the day off tomorrow to get it gonig all sweet

 

[Link]

Just a tip to make life easier (What I do). Whilst you are waiting for the CPU to arrive, make a list of all the software you are going to download. I mean a text document with all download links in.

Then download getright and the small steam installer (600kb one). Copy and paste the links from your text file into getright 1 at a time, then open steam, open your account, set it to download everything you want to use and go to bed.

Get up in the morning, bosh, everything is there, downloaded and waiting

 

[iamaelephant]

My brothers computer is on our network with a massive hard disk, so everything I need is on his PC, once I get the onboard LAN going on this new motherboard I'll be set

 

[Unfocused]

Is it neccessary to format th hard disk after switching to a new motherboard?

 

[JimmehH]

Just reinstalling Windows over the old installation is usually good enough. Although I suppose you could be hard-core and try removing and installing the new motherboard chipset drivers in safe mode.

I wouldn't recommend it though.

 

[GPRT]

There is a method where by you dont have to reformat and you uninstall the ide drivers and agp drivers etc however this can still cause some conflicts and its advised that you do reformat.

 

[Hazar]

You shouldn't have to format. However, formatting is always good.

 

[h4vvok]

Usually good to have the 6 Windows boot floppies just in case your CD wont boot

 

[iamaelephant]

I don't mind formatting, in fact I quit enjoy it. It's always nice to have a crispy clean hard drive.

On a side note, am I the only person who makes a ritual out of listening to that "Like Humans Do" song as soon as I finish installing sound drivers? I have to listen to that song every time I format. Don't ask me why. :hmph:

 

[Unfocused]

Damn I don't like to format. I like the speed of the computer afterwards but there is a lot to install, setup etc.

 

[poseyjmac]

well if you make an unattended xp install cd, you can put all your drivers and software on it. insert cd, and when you come back everythings there. whenever i format i always do this, i just have to update it with drivers once in a while when im ready to format.

 

[Adidajs]

do you guys have a hd specifically for the os? otherwise it's a pain to format...

 

[iamaelephant]

I'm on a network so it's not really a pain for me to format, backing stuff up is easy.

 

[iamaelephant]

Well after a few delays my new CPU finally arrived. I have to go to work now but I'll update you all in about 10 hours.