Hi, Craig.
One of the first things WinXP Setup does is detect the hardware
configuration of the computer where it is being installed. Then it
customizes YOUR copy of WinXP to fit THAT configuration. One of the main
components is the chipset on the motherboard and the BIOS that fits that
chipset; when that is replaced, WinXP must be allowed to run again to
re-customize WinXP to fit the new configuration. Only in the mildest of
motherboard changes can this step be skipped; if your new mobo is a
significant upgrade, you will need to reinstall WinXP.
You will most likely need to do an "in-place upgrade" as described in this
KB article:
How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q315341
MS says this is not intended as a timesaver in reinstalling WinXP itself (it
will take just about as long as a clean install), but it should preserve all
your installed applications and data - and most of your tweaks. Afterwards,
as soon as you have your firewall and antivirus back in place, get online
and go to Windows Update to download SP1 (unless it is included in your
WinXP CD-ROM) and all the later fixes that protect you from viruses and
other malware. The last time I did this it took half a day, even with
broadband, to reinstall WinXP and then download and install all the updates.
You probably will need to re-activate WinXP. You should be able to do that
over the Internet if it has been more than 120 days since your previous
activation; otherwise, you will need to call the toll-free number that will
be provided to activate by a 5-minute phone call.
The motherboard is the heart and brains of a computer. Changing that is
very much like moving WinXP to a whole new computer.
RC
