GameBanshee Forums

I'm about to upgrade my motherboard and CPU (as some members already know). I don't have any problem in physical side of this process (I think ), but want to make sure about Windows. Should I clean install my Windows98 SE, or I can get away without doing so? FYI, I will add a new graphics card as well.

I really want to avoid this process, because I have done so only three months ago.

Any advice will be welcomed, and I thank you in advance.

One is never quite sure what lovely little Windows does in the background when installing, i have had several little insights into this weird phenomena, for instance i put a hard disk that was running on an AMD system onto a Intel system (there are reasons for this which are too complicated to go into at the moment) and windows installed a lot of things that i have never heard of which seems specific to the motherboard and processer, my advice is, if you are sticking with the same manufacturer then you should be alright, if however you are transferring to an AMD system to Intel (or visa versa) then it might be worth a try.

You could also try installing 98 over the top, just run the setup from Explorer, i think it will be safer this way since it will hopefully re-configure on the fly

When I replace a motherboard, I always either use a new hard drive or wipe the existing one clean and start with a fresh install of Windows. I think there are a lot of little things that, if you transfer them from one machine to another, leave lots of opportunities for glitches and little hang-ups. I'd rather start a machine off with a clean slate of drivers for all of its hardware.

Changing the mb and keeping the old operating system on the hard disk has very few possibilities to work, and if does then you will surely have some problems with it. Even XP can't handle a mb change ... i have tried with no results.

I recommend to install a fresh new copy of Windows once you change your mb.

ARGH!! Format-Reinstall all over again, then...

Thank you for your advice, guys.

Look at it this way: since you just format-reinstalled a little while ago, you're not losing that much data.

Originally posted by HighLordDave
Look at it this way: since you just format-reinstalled a little while ago, you're not losing that much data.

It's not that simple in my case, actually. It's too complicated even to explain...

Going back and make an address list of emails and backup my games, anyway.

Originally posted by Minerva
<SNIP>Going back and make an address list of emails and backup my games, anyway.

Kawaii-Chan, IIRC the list of email addreses can be backed up if you're using Eudora software for your email - simply copy them on a temporary directory and tehn after the reinstalling process you can copy them back again in their original directory. This also apply to ICQ, Yahoo Messenger & AIM

As for games, simply copy the save files into the temporary files then uninstall the game. After Windows being reinstalled you can alwways reinstall the game and copy the save files into the desired directory

reformat, reinstall is the only way to go. It's sort of like replacing your automobile engine with a lawn mower engine and still expecting to go 70 mph (or however many km/hr!). It just ain't going to happen.

What email program are you using if backing up is that big of an issue??

Originally posted by Ned Flanders
What email program are you using if backing up is that big of an issue??

I'm simply using Outlook Express. I don't have a problem with number of addresses to keep. My main concern is, email addresses from Japan, using Japanese version of Windows. For some reason, I cannot send them from me, even though I have no problem replying them.

I actually have Japanese Window XP (OEM version: bought with my motherboard ), so I might dual boot it with my English Windows 98, if I need to reinstall Win98 anyway.

I don't know if outlook express uses .pst and .pab files. If it does, you can backup those files and then just import them when you reinstall windows. All mail correspondence is saved in .pst files and all contacts are stored in a .pab file.

I just make sure on the followings:

I have two hard drives. If I copy a few folders and files in the second drive, and reformat-reinstall window in the main one. Those folders and files will be safe, providing nothing seriously wrong happens (touch wood!!). Yes?

This is perfectly safe . I also have a second drive for that reason, i just keep all of my important files to the "backup" drive and when i format i only have to backup some local settings and me contact list.

Thank you, Demis.

As I am going to upgrade motherboard, processor and video card and have no network, I suppose I don't need to keep local settings. I'll back up my work, email addresses, saved games, and a few downloads.

(BTW, when did you become a moderator? While I was away, I presume...)

Originally posted by Minerva
Thank you, Demis.

As I am going to upgrade motherboard, processor and video card and have no network, I suppose I don't need to keep local settings. I'll back up my work, email addresses, saved games, and a few downloads.

You are Welcome

I consider local settings some changes i have for some of the programs i use(customise things, staff like that).

(BTW, when did you become a moderator? While I was away, I presume...)

A couple of weeks now, not too long
Buck asked me if i wanted to moderate PoR forum, since i'm writting a walkthrough fot it, and i accepted.

Originally posted by Demis


A couple of weeks now, not too long
Buck asked me if i wanted to moderate PoR forum, since i'm writting a walkthrough fot it, and i accepted.

Good luck! Don't get involved too much in the SYM. It's bad for you.

@Minerva

I'm not posting very ofter in the SYM, but it's very interesting and entertainning i enjoy reading the threads there

by Demis
@Minerva, I'm not posting very ofter in the SYM, but it's very interesting and entertainning i enjoy reading the threads there

If I could only find the thread months back where I said the same thing.

Demis,

Congrats on becoming a moderator.

Minerva,

Agreed. Having two hard drives is definitely the way to go.

Originally posted by Ned Flanders


If I could only find the thread months back where I said the same thing.

Well time will show, it's not that bad though

Demis,

Congrats on becoming a moderator.

Thanks Ned Flanders