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ep2002 36 Posting Pro in Training

Hi all,

I'm new to the board & I'm hoping someone can help me.

Questions...

First...

I'm running Win 2000 Prof.

When I install the new MB, do I have to erase the HD & reinstall Win or can I just reinstall it on top of what's already there b/c of the new MB?

I was told I have to reinstall windows if I'm on 2000 & someone else told me I don't.

Second question...

I also got a new HD & I want to transfer the info onto the new HD.

Some people say use a utility program (any really good free ones around?) & others say to ghost it would take way too long, just transfer the Programs & leave the data on the already existing HD.

I really didn't want 4 different names. I just wanted C & D.

Any advice from experts? It would be much appreciated.

Please contact me asap as I might have to do this tomorrow.


Thanks so much & I hope everyone is having a great wknd. & Mother's Day !


Michelle :)

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Dani AI

Generated

— short answer: changing the motherboard (chipset/IDE/SATA controller and HAL) commonly forces a reinstall of Windows 2000 for a stable system. There are safe workarounds, but plan on a clean install unless you want to spend time repairing drivers and system components.

Before anything: make a full image of the current system and a separate copy of personal data. An image lets you restore if a trial repair fails. Free and paid imaging tools exist (Clonezilla, DriveImage XML, Acronis/Norton, etc.). Do not try to migrate programs by simple file copy — most applications store registry keys and COM registrations and must be reinstalled.

Options explained briefly:

  • Clean install (recommended): guarantees correct drivers and a clean HAL. Backup data, have the Windows 2000 CD/key and new motherboard drivers ready, then install to the new board.
  • In-place/repair install or sysprep (advanced): can preserve programs/settings while replacing core system files or generalizing hardware. These can work but are trickier and may still require driver installs afterwards.
  • Clone the disk to the new HDD: clones the OS and programs so you keep C and D layout. If you change the motherboard afterward, you may still get BSODs due to different mass-storage drivers; set the new BIOS to IDE/compatibility mode if possible to improve boot chances.

Practical checklist for tomorrow:

  • Create a full disk image and a separate backup of Documents.
  • Make bootable recovery media for the imaging tool and the Windows 2000 CD.
  • Download chipset/mass-storage drivers for the new motherboard and put them on a USB stick.
  • Install the new drive, clone or install, then swap the motherboard. If the cloned system fails to boot, try BIOS IDE/compat mode and then a repair install; otherwise do a clean install.
    This approach minimizes downtime and preserves your data while giving the most reliable outcome.
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