OS Question Regarding Upgrading Motherboard / Processor

[houtx67]

Hello,

I am considering upgrading a P3 Celeron computer (Micron) I have to a new motherboard/processor that still uses the same existing components. Since I only have the system restore disk for my OS that came with the computer, will I be able to use it with the new motherboard/CPU combo (will it just re-install the new components, or is there a safeguard that will no longer recognize/authorize this computer with the new components)? I haven't done this with a restore disk before, but since I do not have the full install disk for WIN ME or XP, I wanted to see if this upgrade was going to require the purchase of the software for a full install.

I have heard that you can use the system restore disks with new drives (DVD, CD, HD, etc) and that it will recognize them just as new components, but I need to know if anyone has any experience changing the motherboard/processor and successfully using the restore disk (since this seems to effectively be giving the computer a whole new identity). Is there anyway to "trick" the computer into still recognizing this computer, like not re-formatting the HD before the switchover? I normally would like to back up my data and do a fresh install of everything though. For the record, I honestly purchased this original computer with the included system restore disk (ie, I didn't borrow it from a friend).

If this won't work, can anyone suggest a cheaper way of upgrading the processor on this computer? It is a P3 700 mhz celeron, but the manual did not say how high I could upgrade the processor (I think it uses an Intel 810? chipset - I don't have the manual with me as I am at work). I can't seem to find any of those "upgrade" type processors that override your MB (like Evergreen Technologies, etc) for this situation either.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[RabidDog]

I doubt very much whether your restore disk will work on a "different" computer.
Upgrade present system ---> obviously get the fastest p3 it will take.
Add as much ram as you can... supersize that sucka.
Fresh install of OS def better.. worth doing every few months if you have the time.