Reformat
- Thread starter PcGk
- Start date
Despite having the installer for each program create folders on a separate partition Most would have to reinstalled right off of the top due to seeing a totally new system registry as well as new desktop. Some programs that are self contained with only a desktop created and no registry entries needed would simply need a shortcut to the executable file. Most of the time there is a split drive the secondary partition is used for storage while the primary has all of the softwares installed there.
Most of the tiime the need for reinstalling Windows is essential since a board swap is a major component. You want XP to have a fresh and full detection of the new board, a new registy as well as old drivers removed, and Windows will load faster with the clutter in the old one now gone! Formatting may not be needed especially on a new system where the current partition is intact.
The installer will simply delete the current installation before proceeding to redo everything from scratch. Whatever you have in the MyDocuments and other sub folders in Program Files and Windows directories like wavs, jpgs, bmps, gif files, photos, and other items even mp3s you want to copy or move to temporary folders outside of those for safe keeping.
The installer will simply delete the current installation before proceeding to redo everything from scratch. Whatever you have in the MyDocuments and other sub folders in Program Files and Windows directories like wavs, jpgs, bmps, gif files, photos, and other items even mp3s you want to copy or move to temporary folders outside of those for safe keeping.
Well that's the fun part of maintaining your own pc! 
One reason for having more then one drive for multibooting different versions of Windows or Linux distros at times is to have a place to backup anything important from the primary drive. That can save you from a world of hurt if you are forced to wipe the main drive for some reason like virus! 
One reason for having more then one drive for multibooting different versions of Windows or Linux distros at times is to have a place to backup anything important from the primary drive. That can save you from a world of hurt if you are forced to wipe the main drive for some reason like virus! The only way to preserve the current Windows installation and possibly get the board drivers for the new board in would be to attempt a repair install of Windows by the following article instead of simply deleting the present one. But there is no guaranty on how well this will go. The article is also a good reference to hang onto in case Windows has to repaired for some other reason. http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
Ok guys, got the new mobo. I am having trouble getting my WinXP disk to work, it just hangs after it says ".....Checking your hardware....." right after you press a button to boot from CD. The good news is that I installed the mobo and drivers and its running under XP without issue so far. I may leave it alone and see what happens.....I had to reload all of my drivers however (graphics card, mouse ,etc.)
It depends on how long the current installation has been running on the drive as well as how many programs were added and removed over a period of time. If the same video card, sound card(if one was installed), cpu, and memory went on this board you didn't see the amount of changes that would force you to reinstall Windows. You slid by there.
But keep the link on a repair install in mind. After pressing enter when seeing the options for the recovery console or press enter now to install where you press enter to go into the next screen the option if available is to repair a current installation instead of installing Windows. A full install at that time if needed would delete the Windows, Program Files, and DocumentsandSettings folders. Backup anything there you want to keep if you have to go that route sometime.
But keep the link on a repair install in mind. After pressing enter when seeing the options for the recovery console or press enter now to install where you press enter to go into the next screen the option if available is to repair a current installation instead of installing Windows. A full install at that time if needed would delete the Windows, Program Files, and DocumentsandSettings folders. Backup anything there you want to keep if you have to go that route sometime.