Upgrading Mobo - reinstall windows??

[Randomaxess]

hey all;

I am upgrading from an Asus A7vkt133A to an FIC AN11 Stealth.
My question is this: do i need to re-install windows? the only thing changing is the RAM (switching pc133 for pc2100) and the mobo, everything else is same. So, does that require a nuke-n-pave or can i just run it as is. I think i can, but i'm not sure.

thanx!

[rbraun21]

If your only installing a new mobo and not a chip, you should be able to just update the bios and be fine

[Cricket]

Hi Randomaxess,

What OS are you using?

If you're using one of the Win9x OS's (Win95, Win98, Win98SE or WinME), you can use the ENUM Trick.

It doesn't work with WinNT, Win2000 or WinXP. I think a re-install of the OS is recommended.

Cricket

[Randomaxess]

hmm, ok, i'm gonna try just sticking it first, then re-install if it doesn't work right

Here's an idea i got from that link you sent me, Cricket: i figure the stuff that won't be used in windows will be under the device manager and yellow. I'll just uninstall them! (course, i'll have "show hidden" so i won't miss anything).
would that work?

thanks!

[Xayd]

Under Win9x yes probably, Win2k/NT/XP won't likely boot, since it requires files from the boot sector on the hard drive, and won't find them when the IDE controller is different.

[Randomaxess]

what do you mean? i think it is the same...they both use VIA chipset and have ultra ata/100....

one uses the VIA KT133A (asus) chip, the other uses VIA KT266A (FIC). They are both by VIA....

*prays he doesn't need to nuke-n-pave*

[Randomaxess]

*bump*

Anyway, i guess i'll be backing up, trying w/o formating the HD, then formatting and re-install if need be.

[cmpwz1]

I personally always reinstall windows after a big upgrade like your mainboard. Windows usually caches drviers that were previously used on your old mobo. I would just start from scratch, so just your mobo specific drviers are loaded, and not worry about all of the other system drivers that are lurking in the background of ever so wonderful Windows.

[RobH]

Carl Price has a Trick for upgrade without reinstalling windows.I have tried it and works well-you can find it in this forum-Under Tips and Tricks>Deleting the ENUM Key--hope this helps

[mike breck]

Although the ENUM registry key technique seems to work very well, it does not eliminate all the dross you've collected since you last installed Windows.

Unless it is imperative that you retain data on the HD, I always go for a clean install. Windows will work faster and leaner and your PC will thank you for it.

Just my view.

[glc]

The ENUM trick only works with 9x and ME, and it works VERY well if you follow the procedure carefully.

[Randomaxess]

yeah, i forgot to mention my OS
I'm running win Xp pro
I've decided to go with a fresh install from scratch.
thanks guys!