Reinstalling WinXPPro after MoBo upgrade

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V

Ok... I have finally installed a new MoBo and sound card,
etc. I am using the same HDD and CPU from my original
HP/Compaq. I figure my liscence is still good - there is
only one PC running it. But, anyway... I have installed
all this new HW and hit the BIOS, boot to WinXP via CD
and have tried the "Repair via Recovery Console" ("R")
option and that didn't do it.

How do I reinstall Windows without hosing all my user
account information (i.e. "My Documents") and all the
other applications? The "fresh install" vesion allows a
format option and a "leave file system intact", but then
warns that it may hose all the data. Hunh?

Please help so I can run my new PC hardware without
having to reformat the drive and start over from complete
scratch!
 
Perform a Repair Installation to properly detect the new hardware.
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm
Windows Updates will need to be reinstalled.
Data should be safe, back-up important data just in case.
Install Service Pack first and by itself.
Then install ALL Critical Updates no more than 4 at a time,

Disconnect the network/modem cable before starting repair and do NOT
reconnect the cable until repair is completed and firewall is
installed/enabled.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673
 
Greetings --

Normally, assuming a retail license, 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 will probably 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.

However, if you're trying to use an OEM Compaq CD on a non-Compaq
motherboard, this very probably will not work. By replacing the
Compaq motherboard by another, you have voided both the PC's warranty
and your license to use that OEM WinXP license. If this is the case,
you'll have to purchase a new, full retail version of WinXP, and use
it to perform the repair installation.

Bruce Chambers

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Ok... 5 run the repair and it does the reboot and then it
just stops at the "Boot from CD" message. When I switch
the boot priorities, it hangs on "Verifying DMI Pool
Data". I am confused.

I haven't run into any sort of liscence challenge yet,
since I have yet to boot into a Windows environment,
other than directly from the CD. The CD I have is a full-
version CD.

All help is appreciated!
 
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