Over this weekend I will be recieving a new processor, motherboard, and graphics card. I was also looking to get a fresh start on my computer by formatting. What should I do, format first, then replace the hardware, or should I install the hardware then immediatly boot the system with the recovery disk and format?
are you going to use your original system discs to reformat? if so, you're screwed, buddy. unless you have a straight copy of windows, you'll never get your upgrade to boot, as those recovery discs work with proprietary software and drivers to make only a certain setup function. you should assemble all your hardware, then format your drive and reinstall windows from an actual copy of windows. i like to format with win98 and then do a clean install of XP, personally.
just warning you now: you're computer will become un-use-able. if you don't want to be short a PC, your first upgrade needs to be to buy a copy of Windows.
you're very welcome. i'm only so stern on these points because i made the mistake you were preparing to before i had the sense you have and didn't do any research.
Yes, well it does make sense to me. The setup disk is make for one specific motherboard and other components. Thanks.
