BleepingComputer.com: OS fix / reinstall questions for experts

Hi again,

This is related to my post:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic395858.html

As things stand now, the problem is unresolved, and I have been unable to complete a scannow, using the many options described.

I am now considering whether a repair install or reinstall of the OS might be possible.

I understand that in general a new mobo makes recovery discs useless.

However, I have read that some models of the same brand are interchangeable.

My system is an HP Pavilion.
Sticker says XP Media Center Edition 2005.
I am running SP3.

My original mobo failed. It was an ASUS A8M2N-LA. (This was actually a replacement of my original which failed during warranty. Recovery discs still worked with it.)
It was replaced with an ASUS M2N68-AM SE2 (I have the support disc containing the drivers, software apps, and utilities.)

When I purchased the computer I was given recovery discs 1-3.
When my 2nd mobo failed and was upgraded, the technician rebuilt my OS in such a way that my stored data was not lost.

Using Belarc, confirms that my current MS Key matches the sticker.

Does anyone know whether these 2 mobos are interchangeable for me to do a straight recovery?
If not, is it possible to do a reinstall or a repair install of the OS (keeping the stored data) using the recovery discs or partition (like when the mobo was replaced the 2nd time)?
When I boot the computer with recovery disc 1 in the cd:drive, I get 2 options: R - Standard PC Recovery; F - Format the hard-drive and reinstall to factory settings; Q - Quit
If not possible, do I require a retail XP Media Center installation disc set to fix or reinstall the OS?
For arguments sake, if I purchased a replacement ASUS A8M2N-LA (exact specs as original mobo), would my recovery discs be useful once again?

Thanks again

This post has been edited by Mediokrates: 09 May 2011 - 05:27 PM