I am getting a new motherboard (Abit AA8xe Fatality) and a new Video Card (Ati850XT).I have a scsi system using Adaptec 29160.If I install the adaptec card on the new motherboard and use my existant drive, would my system boot up ok? If not, what's the best procedure to use whether to start fresh or use my old C-drive setup. I would prefer to keep most of my old stuff on my drive the way it is.Would starting fresh go like this?1. Install the scsi card on the motherboard.2. Install my Cd Rom on the the motherboard.3. Boot up with windows XP CD.Would appreciate any help.Thanks.Abe

If you boot up from the XP CD, it will give you the option to format the partition and install fresh. This works well if you have a separate partition with ONLY the OS on, as you will lose everything on that partition.Or you can install Windows into a new folder without reformatting but then you're left with a non-standard name for the Windows folder (I recommend "Winnt" in that case as it's somewhat standardized).Depending on what you upgrade from, you may even be able to continue to us the same Windows installation - for example if upgrading from NForce to NForce, VIA to VIA, ATI to ATI etc, just uninstall and reinstall chipset/video drivrs to make sure they're optimized for your setup.

Thanks for the reply, Jimmi.I checked around since I posted. I was told by different sources that the chance of booting up right away with minor adjustment and several bootups is 50/50.My followup question is when I boot up with the XP Cd, I am given the option of doing a fresh install or using option 'R' to repair. I'd like to use the 'R' option because I'd like to keep my overall current setup. Of course, I could reinstall everything but I am trying to avoid that.I have already bakced up my C-drive in 2 different locations using separate external drive and my D-drive, just in case. I think, I'll be able to use either the 'R' or the 'fresh' option. If I do not like the result, I can always reformat and use the 2nd option.Would appreciate any thoughts.Abe