[P5200]

I have a new motherboard and processor on order to be here this week. I am trying to gather all of the info I can before, it get's here. I know it comes with a board drivers disk and also, install manual but, I was just wondering if I need to download a boot up disk of some kind for the xp home and if so where. and will I have to format my present hard drive and reinstall the OS? I've backed up any important files to disc so, it does not matter just trying to find out what I'm up against. I've been searching but if anyone knows of a good recent, tutorial that might help me I would sure appreciate it as I don't like bother everyone constantly with questions. being my first motherboard and processor replacement, I just want to be sure to do things correctly and not burn up the board or anything. I guess, the install manual will tell me how to configure the board to the hard drive so I can install the OS. I will for sure, be watching for any stand off shorts etc. Thanks!

[philthomas]

If you have a M$ Windows Installation Disk (not recovery disk), that is all you need.

It's possible that your existing Windows installation on your HDD, will work with the new motherboard. If you want to try this,
before switching the mobo, uninstall all your drivers ... i.e. chipset, graphics, audio, LAN, etc. etc. .... this may help you to salvage what you have. You will then need to install your new drivers, once booted, following new mobo.

Otherwise, for a fresh install, once your new mobo is installed, just boot with your Windows Installation Disk and hit any key, when the "press any key to continue" prompt appears. This will take you through the setup/installation wizard.
You may have to enter bios to change the boot drive sequence, to make the CD ROM Drive the 1st boot device.

[P5200]

Thanks very much for the helpful info! I will probably just do a fresh install as I have backed up the important things on disk.

[philthomas]

You're welcome ...... a fresh install is normally the best option.
If you hit any problems, just post back.

[P5200]

Originally Posted by philthomas

You're welcome ...... a fresh install is normally the best option.
If you hit any problems, just post back.

Thanks very much! the board and processor, are due to arrive tomorrow. I've replaced power supplies, hard drives, memory, installed dvd burners, put new os. on more times then I'd care to count due to learning new performance tweaks which, did not turn out as tweaks . but, this is my first motherboard replacement maybe things will go alright if not, I will give you a hollar but, I won't be a pest that's one thing I don't like is, the reputation of wanting to be spoon fed lol! Thanks Again!

[philthomas]

LOL ..... good luck with it .... sounds like you know what you're doing.

[P5200]

Well, I got the motherboard and processor in and the pc booted right up. I then installed the drivers from disc and I'm running on it right now. I've got my fingers crossed that it stays working.

[philthomas]

Nice one ...... glad it went smoothly