Question on installing a new motherboard.

[gymscat]

Due to recent issues with the RAM slots on my older pc ( Motherboard is a MSI K7T 266 Pro 2) I may have to get a new motherboard. What do I need to be aware of regarding my current software installations, etc. when doing this. I don't want to have to format and reinstall everything if possible. Can I just install the new mobo, chipset drivers, etc.?
Tia
Gary

 

[o1die]

Depends on what version of windows you're running. Windows 98 poses no problems. For newer versions, you may have to use a program such as norton ghost to back up your files. You can also frequently use a board with the same brand of chipset and avoid a format. I recommend an nforce2 chipset board, such as the abit nf7-s version 2.0. Or, if you want to go cheap, several places listed on pricewatch are selling a syntax sv266a board for around $20-25 with a chipset very similar to your current board. I have no idea about the quality of this brand. It's just cheap.

 

[gymscat]

Thanks for replying. If I have to do it I will get a decent board. I'm just trying to avoid the hours of reinstalling everything)

Gary

 

[maxgi]

It is not that simple.
I refer you to my post of of a couple of days ago under the
heading "Change of motherboard and CPU".
Look at one of the answers to me, it refers you to a site which gives you more info.

 

[vagabond]

There is one way but it's no guarantee that it'll work.

Copy all your current drivers for your current system with the exception of your mobo and put them in a folder on a second partition.

When you have the new mobo it should come with a CD. Copy all pertinent data from that CD to that same folder. When XP asks then relay it to that folder. Or you can install all the necessary drivers after the install.

It worked for me one time. Went from Intel to AMD but I stayed with the same OS (98SE). This was 2nd generation x86 proc-mobo units.

When installing new mobo it's recommended that you do a fresh install. Formatting and new partition. Do you have a second HDD? You can Ghost your current setup to it and hope it'll copy back to the first one.

<A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/myanandtech.aspx?member=120067" target="_new">My System</A>

 

[Flinx]

Save yourself alot of grief and do a fresh install. Overall it'll probably save you hours and hours

The loving are the daring!