Changing motherboard/cpu

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gary
  • Start date Start date
G

Gary

WINXP-SP2 and a whole bunch of programs loaded on a PC with
motherboard/cpu/memory issues! Is it possible to just change out the whole
board, etc., reconnect the drives and go. The original XP installation was
with a full XP-Pro installation CD. I don't want to have to do a complete
reinstallation of all the programs as many of them are downloads that I'd
probably have a hard time finding the registration ID's. The reason that
I'm asking is that I've heard so much discussion about XP being locked to a
motherboard that I'm reluctant to try anything without checking with you
experts first. TIA!
 
After changing the motherboard and cpu you will have to do a repair install
of WinXP.
Repair Installation of WinXP:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
This should retain all your program installations and not lose any data.

Depending on how long it has been since you first installed WinXP you may
have to activate by telephone.
 
Gary said:
WINXP-SP2 and a whole bunch of programs loaded on a PC with
motherboard/cpu/memory issues! Is it possible to just change out the whole
board, etc., reconnect the drives and go. The original XP installation was
with a full XP-Pro installation CD. I don't want to have to do a complete
reinstallation of all the programs as many of them are downloads that I'd
probably have a hard time finding the registration ID's. The reason that
I'm asking is that I've heard so much discussion about XP being locked to a
motherboard that I'm reluctant to try anything without checking with you
experts first. TIA!
Click to expand...

Many people consider an OEM version to the a "full" version so that
needs to be clarified before we go much further.

If your computer is still usable then boot it into Windows XP (even
Safe Mode will do) and open Control Panel - System - General (or
right-click "My Computer and select Properties = same thing). Look at
the 20 character Product ID code that is reported on the last line of
the "Licenses to" section. If the second segment of that number is
OEM then you have an OEM version of Windows XP and may encounter
problems getting it activated on a different motherboard if it also
happens to be BIOS Locked.

To determine if an OEM version is also BIOS Locked look on the Start
menu in the Accessories - System Tools section for an "Activate
Windows" menu item. BIOS Locked OEM versions do not have this.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."
 
Ron! Thanks for the reply. It's not an OEM version, I did the original
installation myself years ago from the full "retail" disk. Thanks, again.
 
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