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Thread ID: 55926 2005-03-23 02:37:00 Replaced Motherboard, Do I need to reformat? rmcb (164) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
336996 2005-03-23 02:37:00 Got a machine with a dead m/b, I plan on installing a new one but have heard that windows may need to be reinstalled due to differing bios's etc. Is this true?, Is there a way to save data off the hdd before a format/reinstall?. Can I install it as slave in another machine for instance or will I have 2 o/s's trying to boot 1 machine?. Perhaps a live linux cd may help me. Ideas please.
Thanks
rmcb (164)
336997 2005-03-23 02:42:00 Install the MB
Install another HDD as a master
Install OS
Install old HDD as a slave
Access Data of old one
KiwiTT_NZ (233)
336998 2005-03-23 02:54:00 Thanks KiwiTT_NZ, that is along the lines of what I was thinking, won't I have problems with the 2 hdd's both trying to boot at the same time though??
Cheers
rmcb (164)
336999 2005-03-23 03:07:00 How similar will the new motherboard be? It may be a good excuse to reinstall rather than repair but it's not always necessary. PaulD (232)
337000 2005-03-23 03:44:00 You don't need to format,you can swap over the hardware,but do a dirty install on first boot,this removes all prior drivers and reloads correct ones, Removing any chance of driver/resorce clashes. And leaves all your programs installed and your data intact.

It will never perform as crisply as a freshly formatted computer though.
Metla (12)
337001 2005-03-23 03:55:00 www.brienposey.com Terry Porritt (14)
337002 2005-03-23 05:54:00 You won't have problems with two disks "trying to boot at the same time". The drive which is selected as Master by the hardware will boot. (Modern BIOSs will let you select which one, but the principle is the same). Graham L (2)
337003 2005-03-23 06:48:00 Whats a dirty install? if I can ask :) Myth (110)
337004 2005-03-23 07:05:00 installing windows without a format, just installing it overtop, not really recommended but sometimes you gotta Prescott (11)
337005 2005-03-23 07:10:00 A dirty install is... when you fit all the new hardware and run the PC without doing a fresh or clean install of Windows... otherwise known as PLUG 'N' PRAY. That is plug everything in... switch the PC on and then pray that it works!!!

Windows XP, NT and 2000 generally don't work with a dirty install as you would usually end up with a FATAL EXCEPTION ERROR as there is new hardware installed that drivers are not loaded for.

cheers

chiefnz
chiefnz (545)
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