Quick question for pc builders

[drskhaled]

If i was to change my CPU or mobo would i need to reinstall windows? Or will it boot from the hard drive?

Basically i have an off the shelf pc with windows xp mediacentre preinstalled, i have the recovery dvd but i dont think that'll fresh install.

Ive updated quite a bit incuding psu,gpu and ram but now i want a faster cpu and in the future sli......i think i've been bitten by the pc bug (damned ps3 delay!!). Any help appreciated

[sinizterguy]

It'll be fine. You wont have to reinstall windows.

[drskhaled]

Excellent, many thanks for the advise....now the serach is on for a decent sli motherboard and CPU!!!

[Alun]

You may find you have to reactivate your windows

I know when I was mucking around with processor swapa I had to.

[Bilbob]

Actually, if you swap the MB there is a chance you will have to reinstall...

If the chipset or BIOS is defferent, then there is a good chance you will have to reinstall, as the HAL will be different.
Only occasionally will you be able to get away with a repair.
And yes, you will almost certainly have to re-activate too

[drskhaled]

Hmm, reactivating is fine since i have the serial number on the case, but if i have to reinstall i hope i can use my recovery disc otherwise i'd have to shell out on a new Windows dvd. Again thanks for the advise guys.

[sinizterguy]

If you install windows onto the existing install, it sort of "refreshes" the install, but maintains your settings and your installed programs.

I have done this for corrupted installs and such and you can do the same if you change the mobo and it does not work.

[drummerjohn]

It's hit and miss. I have managed to get some installations to work with a repair. Other times it's ahd to be a fresh install.