Do I need to reformat after replacing parts?

Detis Zan

Detis Zan

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jun 2005

Guardians of the Black Curtain [GBC]

N/Me

Whew long time since I posted here.

Upgrading my computer (939 socket to AM2).

I'm getting the parts in soon, here's my short specs:
ASUS 939 SLI deluxe (can't find these anymore lol)
250 HDD
2x AMD proc
450W PSU

I'm not sure if replacing the motherboard and processor (ram too of course) requires a reformat of windows on my HDD. I can back up my files but just wanted to know if you can upgrade those components without having to.

Keekles

Keekles

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Floating amongst the ethereal seas of placating breezes.

Like A [Boss]

Mo/

Personally, I reformat every time I change my motherboard or video card. If I wasn't going to do that, I guess I'd make sure I properly removed the old drivers before installing the new ones.

Aera

Aera

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2005

Galactic President Superstar Mc [awsm]

E/

It's not needed with new vidoecards, but with a new Motherboard and Processor, I'd definitely recommend it.

That's why I have two HDDs: one for games and and Windows and other replaceable crap, one big one for all my pictures, important documents etc.

Hott Bill

Hott Bill

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Apr 2007

Shards of a Broken Crown

R/

Yes format, that's a lot of foreign hardware you're plugging in. I reformat every 3 months, keeps my computer running in tip top shape (Call me crazy but I do it anyway).

And remember, if you don't have one of these, you'll probably need it:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...697&CatId=1802

Detis Zan

Detis Zan

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jun 2005

Guardians of the Black Curtain [GBC]

N/Me

Thanks for replies. I'll back everything up then.

Oh BTW would it make a difference if I backed up my information on a different HDD and just transfer the information over to the original (after reformatting) would that make any difference or time saving.

P.S. Hott not sure I need that static wrist >.>; Useful but I'm careful with my upgrades. =D

Brianna

Brianna

Insane & Inhumane

Join Date: Feb 2006

I did what you did, went from a Single Core to a Dual Core and switched out motherboards, basically everything except my HDD and PSU were new, and I booted up my old HDD and It kinda worked ok, except a few programs crashing.

So basically from what I heard and have seen It's mostly recommended that you reformat yes, It's probably good that you do it anyways. I had to learn the hard way I suppose.

tijo

tijo

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Feb 2007

Montreal

[CDDR]

R/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Detis Zan
Oh BTW would it make a difference if I backed up my information on a different HDD and just transfer the information over to the original (after reformatting) would that make any difference or time saving.
Just time saving. What really needs reinstalling is windows the drivers etc. Trasfering your data like saved files, word documents, music, pics etc to another HDD then transfering them back is the same as if you were backing them up to DVDs just takes less time.

redant751

redant751

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Apr 2006

NYC,NY

Gods Special Forces (GSF)

R/E

You should reformat for a new processor / motherboard, Beside it always nice to have a fresh OS install with out any baggage.(I redo My OS at least once every year to year and a half).