upgrading a desktop with new hardware such as a different brand video card, RAM, and another HDD, should the OS be reinstalled? i mean is it critical or can reinstallation of XP be bypassed?

also, with the XP WPA crap, will i have to reactivate by callin in?

[Edited on December 29, 2005 at 3:46 PM. Reason : wpa]

12/29/2005 3:46:15 PM

When I rebuilt my system recently i just went ahead and reinstalled windows. I had to call in and get them to activate windows, just tell them you replaced some parts and they will give you a code to enter.

12/29/2005 4:57:59 PM

installing a new video card, ram, and hdd are minor system changes as far as the OS is concerned.

they do not require a reinstall of the OS.

However, it would be best to install them one at a time so if something goes wrong you know what component caused the issue.

ram is the easiest. Just slap it in the slots and boot. Your bios will probably say "OMFG AMMOUNT OF RAM CHANGED!" and ask if you want to enter setup. You might as well go in there and make sure the right ammount is showing up. Also, when installing the ram in a board that supports dual channel ddr, make sure you put it in the right slots.

HDD install is simple as long as you're running xp sp1 or later. Just put the new drive in, make sure the jumpers are ok, and boot into windows. Once in windows, go to disk management tools (right click my computer manage) find the new drive and create the partitions.

Video card is easy too. Take out the old one, put in the new, boot into windows, install drivers.

Driver install might be a bit quirky if its an ATI card, but generally its a pretty simple task.


The ram and hdd make no actual changes to your install and the video card is just adding new drivers, so no reinstall is required.

12/29/2005 5:09:18 PM

would there be a problem installing an nVidia card from an ATI card? i mean with the ATI drivers and stuff installed would they cause a conflict with the nVidia drivers?

goin from an ATI 9600xt to a nVidia GeForce6800

[Edited on December 29, 2005 at 5:12 PM. Reason : .]

12/29/2005 5:11:34 PM

they should not cause any issues, but to be on the safe side you can download the ati catalyst removal tool here

It removes all ATI software and drivers from your system.

12/29/2005 5:13:47 PM