An ultimately stupid question about a rebuild

Northwind · 17 Oct 2006 at 21:06

I'm going to replace my motherboard, PSU and case shortly... Transferring both HDDs, optical drive, graphics card and processor from Dell box to nice box. Now, I can change parts but I've never replaced such a major component- I'd like to think it'll be as simple as swapping bits, plugging in and hoping but is it really like that? I'd sooner transfer it as is, then do a windows reinstall at a later date once I know it all works...

semi-pro waster · 17 Oct 2006 at 21:21

It depends, you can certainly try but Windows is not always happy about such major changes so might require a re-activation code from Microsoft. I think that XP Pro is normally better about this than XP Home.

A fresh install is normally better and you will have no driver remnants but you can always try it and see.

EirePlane · 17 Oct 2006 at 21:32

in addition to what semi-pro-waster said, you should double check that your processor uses the same socket as the one on the motherboard.
an easy (but costly) mistake to make

Northwind · 17 Oct 2006 at 22:32

Yep, it's a Pentium D and a DS3 so no fit problems there, I reckon. As for the reinstall, it's pretty much due anyway... I'd just like to know that the PC's functional before trying it, really.

Tetsujin · 18 Oct 2006 at 00:11

Problem is, replacing the mobo but not doing a new XP install, you won't be in a good position to ascertain whether it's working anyway, as any instability/problems you come across could be down to driver problems. So you're better off going in at the deep end, really.

Northwind · 18 Oct 2006 at 01:09

Ah, good point there. Yep, you're right, a clean sweep is going to be the way to go isn't it...

SiriusB · 18 Oct 2006 at 01:16

Yup

It will make your PC feel new again too. Mmm squeaky clean Windows. Stops being squeaky clean within 27 seconds of hitting the internet though

SiriusB

Northwind · 18 Oct 2006 at 01:25

Funny, Dell's images are usually feeble, but this one's been incredibly stable. It helps when you uninstall Norton I think

Shame that, I've never actually done a reinstall before it was massively overdue before...

SiriusB · 18 Oct 2006 at 01:31

Eew I hate Norton and I always encourage people who buy a new PC to get rid ASAP. Why anyone would install it I do not know.

It's like buying that dream Aston Martin DB9 and dropping a steaming pile of horse manure in the passenger seat to keep you warm!

SiriusB

turbotoes · 18 Oct 2006 at 08:42

If you do try to use your old windows installation, make sure you change your IDE drivers to the vanilla ones before you do the change (unless both mainboards use the same chipset) or XP will not not boot full stop!!