Windows 7: Mobo & CPU change - Reinstall??

Well, just upgraded my motherboard (from Intel DG965RY) and CPU (from C2D E6600) to EP45-UD3R and C2Q Q9550, respectively, without reinstalling the OS. This is my first time doing that. All the times I've done this right up to Vista, a major hardware upgrade has meant a complete OS reinstall.

This time my current Windows (Windows 7 x64 7229) install correctly detected and installed all the necessary drivers, with no user input required. The only thing that didn't install properly was the Netgear WG311v3 WLAN card, but that is a universal problem, due to Netgear not providing drivers.

That's not my real question, though.

What do you think? Should I reinstall, or leave well enough alone?

I was planning to use this upgrade as an excuse to install RTM x64, but seeing how everything went without a hassle, I feel kind of sorry to let 7229 go.

A reinstall would clear all the excess baggage ( old drivers, that kind of stuf), though.

Confused and in need of a couple of expert opinions.

I would say, if it's working, don't touch it.

Just check in device manager if the computer is installed as ACPI.
If it's not, you could get into trouble, otherwise enjoy what you have.

Btw, 7229 is rock solid.

edit: a Windows 7 install by default carries a huge load of excess drivers, so a few more dont hurt anyone.

I would leave well enough alone until I was ready to do a new install with my chosen RTM/Retail Windows 7 version.

Interesting you had no more problems than what you reported.

Your northbridge and southbridge chipsets changed AND your existing OS booted? I would have lost that bet. Simply changing chipset drivers is reason enough to re-install all other drivers...

Wow. Someone correct my worldview. I would expect read/write errors.

But, if it actually worked, it comes down to estimated time on task.

Actually did it many times.

As long as it passes the HAL, you're often homefree.

Changing from NVidia chipset to Intel would have probably failed, but from Intel to Intel, or NvVidia to NVidia usually works.

Even if it doesn't pass the HAL, you can use repair, and it will work in many cases too.

XP could already do it, but with Vista and Windows 7 chances have improved, because of the large amount of drivers it holds.

private static void FlushKnowledge()
{
while (Console.In.Peek() != -1)
Console.In.Read();
}

Flush Knowledge

I would too.