Upgrading CPU motherboard and RAM

[Spithead051]

I'm new to upgrading in regards to main system components, but the biggest question on my mind is, Will I need to reformat my HD in order to make sure Windows accepts it. I'm running an ATA HD with Windows XP home edition SP 1. I really need to know this before I purchase all my parts.

[blue60007]

Replacing a motherboard will gaurantee that you will need to reformat.

[Panama Red]

Replacing a motherboard will gaurantee that you will need to reformat.

Not true, blue. Because the hardware changes with the mobo/cpu upgrade, all that is necessary is to boot to the XP CD and do an immediate repair/install. This will remove the old drivers and install new ones associated with the new hardware. You'll need to install all the drivers on the new mobo CD as soon as XP completes the repair. This action should not change any installed programs or personal data.

[blue60007]

Oh, well I guess I meant a repair. :o In otherwords, XP will need some attention after upgrading.

Though if I were you I would reformat anyways, windows needs a refresher every now and then, but just do the repair and you'll be fine.

[Spithead051]

Will I need to reinstall all my drivers, such as CD and DVD drives, joystick, and printer? Also, installing a new processor won't cause any problems, because the motherboard will reset all the drivers, if I'm understanding this right, also will I reinstall XP before of after the CMOS setup, if I need to?
I would prefer step-by-step instructions after physically putting the mobo in the case, I just need to know CMOS and BIOS setups.