I wasnt too sure if this is really a hardware or not.  If I put in a celeron rated at 1 GHZ and then wanted to change it to 2.6 ghz would that mean I have to reinstall xp then?Maybe...maybe not.
I've changed CPU's on some systems and had XP fire right back up ...recognise the new hardware and continue on with no hiccups.
But it can go the other way as well and REFUSE to boot properly.
If this happens the solution is a Repair Install of XP...
I suggest reading it thru to get familiar with the steps outlined and printing out a copy for reference.
If done properly you should be good to go...

You may have to re-register XP ...i use the 800# myself for this.

Good Luck.Just remembered another ALTERNATIVE for this...
Dug it out of my Old Bookmarks archives...

Here Ya Go...I suppose then I should wait if the event that it does happen, I kind of figured that an all considering I hate to get a replacement for my dell that I'm not supposed to mess with. Quote from: patio on May 20, 2009, 11:01:24 AM

Just remembered another alternative for this...
Dug it out of my Old Bookmarks archives...

Here Ya Go...