Thanks for the info. I think I will go ahead and reformat. Ive only had it a few days so wouldn't really lose anything. Will go ahead and do that tomorrow.

This is all craziness. I'm looking at a new mobo, and I can usually not have to do a format and install (same cpu and ram.). But maybe I'll have to.

I did the same thing with XP Pro when setting up a new Optiplex 755. If you run the Adobe cleaner and the Microsoft cleaner it will let you reinstall Photoshop. You can then put in the serial number and activate. You will not have the chance to use it as a trial version.

What cleaners?

I'm not interested in re-installing. I ran board after board running tests without having to re-install to the HD. It just ran. Of course, activation would not be issue during a test.

So long as the program is not corrupt, it should not require re-installation simply because of changing HW.

What cleaners?




the adobe clean script that was for clearing off the cs3 beta debris...

it should not require re-installation simply because of changing HW.




agreed. or a simple restore.

Larry: When you install a new, but different board, everything changes and you have to install new drivers for the on-board components and part of the MS hash has to do with the MAC address for the network adapter. Although you can do it, you will never truly have a stable OS install.

I used the CS3 trial cleaner to allow me to enter a serial number when a system restore prevented CS3 from loading. Before I cleaned and reinstalled CS3 I tried to undo the last restore and a restore to a date after cs3 was installed but not activated. I could not start CS3 until I ran the cleaner. It may not be intended for this use but it was the only thing that worked. It did not allow a trial period but did allow me to enter the serial number and activate. I did not have to format or reinstall any other software.