Windows XP Reinstalling?

[deantn]

Am going to swap a MOBO and CPU for a new MOBO and CPU in a 6 yr old machine. Is it possible to use the restore disks to reinstall WS XP on the new MOBO or should I just order a new WS XP disk at same time as I order a MOBO and CPU?

Have read somewhere it might be possible but can't remember where I read it. Since HDD not being changed might the machine just see everything the same except MOBO speed and BIOS.

[stinger608]

That depends on the restore disks. If they include a disk that JUST has windows then it will be fine
If it is one of the disks that have the OS, chipset drivers, video drivers, plus all of the other crap, then no. It will try to install all of that crap also.

[Quakindude]

Also, is the original machine a Dell or other manufactured rig? If so, the restore disks *probably* will not work on the new one. Especially if it's Dell, Compaq or HP.

You never want to use a HDD from one build to the next without formatting the drive and reinstalling Windows. Especially in a case like this where I know for sure that the mobo chipsets are going to be completely different. If you were replacing a bad mobo with the exact same type with the same chipset, that would be different but still, it wouldn't be guaranteed to work.

[Hitman]

Yup Tom is right, computers do weird things when you swap MoBos and don't reinstall winders.

[One4yu2c]

Being a 6-year old machine, the restore disc likely installs the chipset drivers, video drivers, etc. And as pointed out, it's not going to be a good idea to use that on a new motherboard.