Reinstall XP Pro over itself?

[SuitablyTwisted]

I have an XP Pro question related to a mobo swap: I get the feeling that If I change my mobo, XP will have kittens. Too much new hardware, drivers, etc. What I need to know is if I can just reinstall it over itself, or do I have to start over with a naked drive? Or will it just ask for the disk when it discovers the new mobo? Just want to know what I'm getting into before I start. Been building computers since '85, and M$ has sucked all the fun out of it. I know, try Linux, but all the software I need is Windoze. And I already have it. Besides, I'm a hardware guy. Coding drives me buggy. Anyway, Krell, CPUGenius, anybody got any tips?
Thanx

[rainbowdemon]

I would just start with a naked drive, and eliminate the possibility of problems.

[CompuGeek]

Changing major hardware means you really should do a clean install.

Back up important documents. Boot the XP CD. Format C:. Install.

For instructions check out http://windowsreinstall.com/

[Induna]

My guess is it would constantly crash when it gets to the Windows XP splash screen. Just try taking a drive out of a different PC and putting it in your's to see this.

You could get away with it in Win98 but not XP.

[fujow]

After building countless computers, i agree with the others reformat and do a clean install.
when i changd my mobo without reformating my system i had alot of problems, chipset,usb,firewire,etc constant crashes.

[Greylin]

I agree with CompuGeek. Within the website he directed you to there is also a link on how to change motherboards and save your OS (http://www.windowsreinstall.com/install/other/motherboard/index.htm). If it were me I would do as CompuGeek suggested and start with a fresh install.

[rctempire]

It would be best to have a nice fresh install. But why dont you clone your hdd and then keep it incase you want anything like music ect. But from my knowledge at the pc shop i work at is to totaly wipe the hdd as windows will crash and look crap from the word GO.