If you delete the windows and programs files folders, you're still going to have things on the HD that do not belong there, and the registry will still be as it was. Is there a way to delete an entire registry? (I've never tried it). IF so, this may be an option. However, since windows has to be installed again anyway, plus all the programs, OS and IE updates, etc., again, reformatting first would not take any more time...well, maybe 30 seconds longer. I Personally (and for our customers' sake that need to upgrade a mobo) would rather have a flawless stable system on a fresh format. But if it works for you, good. :) I just wouldn't trust it. -Clint
God Bless Us All Clint Hamilton, Owner http://OrpheusComputing.com � ----- Original Message ----- From: "graham nimmo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> "OrpheusComputing.com" wrote: > > I think I already said why: sorry must have missed that bit > You should always reformat when > > > changing a motherboard, no two boards are the same. The > old > > > board will leave countless 'things' in the extended > device > > > manager, not to mention all the orphaned drivers files. > > > These things can severely conflict with a new board. > > Not to mention the "derelicts" left over in the registry. > Not starting over is just asking for problems......conflicts, > yellow marks in the device manager, IRQ conflicts, errors, > instability, etc. > > Important programs and files should be backed up regularly > anyway. In the long run it's actually faster to just > reformat, than to have to deal with and try and figure out & > fix, errors, instability, and all the conflicts that > *usually* arise. The Windows and Program Files folders ARE the registry. Only these 2 folders need to be deleted. Formatting is overkill. In my experience reformatting is generally seen as a panacea for corrupt drivers, and is often performed repeatedly when things go wrong. Sure if you repeatedly install and uninstall programs you may screw things up but see above (or restore from a registry save) - there is no NEED to reformat. -- Graham ============= PCWorks Mailing List ================= Don't see your post? Check our posting guidelines & make sure you've followed proper posting procedures, http://pcworkers.com/rules.htm Contact list owner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribing and other changes: http://pcworkers.com =====================================================
