Changing CPU and Motherboard

[Ken Lemberger]

I want to implement a major upgrade to my computer
currently runnning XP Pro, involving replacement of the
motherboard, cpu and memory but retention of my exisiting
hard drives and their associated applications and data. I
know that this will require some form of reinstallation
and or revalidation of XP. What is the proper sequence of
steps I should take (e.g., call Microsoft first; install
the new components, attempt to boot and follow onscreen
instructions; install componenets first and attempt an
upgrade and then follow instructions?) Any help would be
greatly appreciated.

 

[Chris Lanier]

First, if the system was sold to you by Dell, Gateway, HP, Sony, etc, you
will need to purchase a new copy of XP. OEM computers and the OS are bound
together.

if you have a retail copy of XP you will just need to doa repair install of
Windows XP.

 

[FredP]

Ken ... a good writeup here for what you want to do on Michael Steven's
site;
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Normally, unless the new motherboard is virtually identical to the
old one (same chipset, same IDE controllers, same BIOS version, etc.),
you'll need to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade)
installation, at the very least:

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341

As always when undertaking such a significant change, back up any
important data before starting.

This may also require re-activation. If it's been more than 120
days since you last activated that specific Product Key, you'll most
likely be able to activate via the internet without problem. If it's
been less, you might have to make a 5 minute phone call.


Bruce Chambers

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[Ken Lemberger]

It's a retail copy, I built the system myself. Thanks for
the rapid response.

 

[Ken Lemberger]

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate the help. the
article looks like it's just the right thing.