Can I Replace My Processor w/o Formatting My PC?

[DanInfo]

Alright, my computer is no biggie but.. compare and contrast for me

RAM = 2gb kingston
Video Card = ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO 512MB DDR2
Mother board = FOXCONN MCP73M06 FAB 1.0
OS = Windows sp3
with..
Processor = 2.67 ghz Intel Pentium 4

I know it sucks never the less but geeze, the processor is just way too behind of everything else and I am tired of my computer being so slow.

Now... I would love to not go through the process of formatting because I like how everything is organized and last time, my hard drive lost all of its information!

All that said, it brings me to the question: Can I replace my processor with a better version without having to format my computer?

I'm saving for a laptop but that wont happen any time soon so what 'OK' processor would you guys suggest for me to buy?

[patio]

Before the Fact...

After the Fact...

[DanInfo]

Thanks, I'll try understanding that.

Do the pictures on the first link appear for you?


Edit:
Ok so bottom line = If you don't understand what they say, don't bother trying.

I get so lost when I read that and I don't want to risk my computer. I was hoping for a simpler solution because I think doing this takes more time than actually formatting your computer.

[soybean]

RAM = 2gb kingston
Video Card = ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO 512MB DDR2
Mother board = FOXCONN MCP73M06 FAB 1.0
OS = Windows sp3
with..
Processor = 2.67 ghz Intel Pentium 4

I am tired of my computer being so slow.

When is it slow?  For many tasks, that system should perform quite well.  Maybe a lack of system maintenance is the problem here.

[2x3i5x]

give your computer a cleanup, (windows disk cleanup utility or ccleaner) and then run a disk defragment.

See if that helps any 

[IcyBurn]

I'm running a Pentium 4 2.40Ghz with 512MB of ram and i get great speed. I recommend ccleaner it cleans up lots of junk you don't know you have. That could give you some speed back

[Quantos]

Just never use anything to repair/optimize the registry.