I have a Windows 2003 system with an Intel Core 2 Quad CPU. I would like to downgrade this to an Intel Core 2 Duo - but I am unsure of the impact on the OS. No other hardware would change...just the CPU. Will Windows 2003 Server handle this hardware change or am I facing a reload?

Ideally reinstallation is always the better recommenmdation after changes done on CPU.Raj

HiMost probably you will have to re-install. Windows will have set itself up for single processor operation during the install, I think it uses a different kernel for multi-processor. I thing Exactly same model you won't have any issues....Thanks... Deva --Self-trust is the first secret of success.

Hi Dakota17,Thank you for posting in windows server forums, Re-installation of OS is required when you are changing the motherboard , but when you are using same class of CPU it has the drivers which OS supports, so changing CPU on same mother board doesnt require re-installation of OS. sainath !analyze

Hi, Based on research, others who upgraded from Intel Core 2 Duo to Intel Core 2 Quad did not have to reinstall OS. However, it is recommended to make a backup before CPU change. Regards, Bruce

Hi, Based on research, others who upgraded from Intel Core 2 Duo to Intel Core 2 Quad did not have to reinstall OS. However, it is recommended to make a backup before CPU change. Regards, Bruce The backup, for the sake more than anything else ;) Valerio