Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (
More info?)
Greetings --
Normally, and assuming a retail license (many OEM licenses are not
transferable to a new motherboard), unless the new motherboard is
virtually identical (same chipset, same IDE controllers, same BIOS
version, etc.) to the one on which the WinXP installation
was originally performed, you'll need to perform a repair (a.k.a.
in-place upgrade) installation, at the very least:
How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341
As always when undertaking such a significant change, back up any
important data before starting.
This will also require re-activation, unless you have a Volume
Licensed version of WinXP Pro installed. If it's been more than 120
days since you last activated that specific Product Key, you'll most
likely be able to activate via the internet without problem. If it's
been less, you might have to make a 5 minute phone call. You
shouldn't have to buy a new license.
Bruce Chambers
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"Justin" <jcani4@eq.edu.au> wrote in message
news:1990e01c44d2a$17fc6a80$a101280a@phx.gbl...
> hi all
>
> i'm faced with the task of replacing the motherboard in my
> computer that has died..
>
> i know XP doesn't like hardware changes.
>
> is there a easy way to replace my motherboard without
> wiping my drive ?
>
> thanks for your time
>
> cheers
>
> Justin