I getting ready to redo my computer (xp) and also was given a disc containing software for the motherboard. I know this may be a lame question, but which do I install first. I assume that installing the software beofre the xp disc would be nothing but lame, but I dont want to leave anything to chance. If anyone has any advice in what I should do before wiping out the memory besides backing up pictures and personal files.., all advice would be appreciated..,besides buying a mac...,cant afford that right now..,
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You have two choices:

1. Remove ALL current motherboard drivers from your existing windows install, prior to shutting down and installing the new motherboard.

All means all. Here is a good how to upgrade motherboard without reinstalling xp. That method is the only way I know that will actually work.

2. There is using windows recovery to force reinstall of drivers but my experience is that it really doesn't work very well. I recommend against that method.

Re your other questions, yes, you have to reinstall all motherboard drivers, and video card etc, when you change motherboard.

It's not a trivial process, but if you do it right, when you restart windows, it just thinks it's a fresh install, although you might have to call Microsoft to get XP revalidated, that's not uncommon.
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The computer in question is one that was built for a friend and the motherboard required a seperate program/driver to be installed. I have never done one of these before. I am use to just dropping in the recovery disc and watching my screw ups getting erased. So if I sound lame.., i am sorry, but the board is already installed so its not an upgrade..,so if your advice is diffrent please let me know.., i need all the help that I can find..,lol

Thanks in Advance
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