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just bought new computer

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by burntout_13

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I recently bought a new computer but it isn't coming with an operating system. Is it possible to take the hard drive from my other PC with Win XP on and put it in the new computer without losing or reloading the operating system?

7 replies

by lowlands

Since the hardware on your new PC is probably different than the hardware of the old one. My guess would be it will either not come up at all, or blue screen once it does.

If your old copy of XP is a full version, not OEM, you are however entitled to install it on your new PC. You could even mount your old hard drive to be able to get your data files off.

by mjd420nova

If you have the WINXP disk used to install the OS originaly, you could install the old drive in the new unit, boot to the WINXP disk and do a repair of the OS. This will then configure the OS to the new hardware without disturbing any of the data or programs installed on the old drive. This might lead to some problems with the way some of the old software was installed on the old hardware but you'd still have access to the photos, music and other data on it.

by rob miners

If you have a retail version of Win XP you could try this. It works with the enterprise version. Follow these steps but don't remove the "Disk Drive".

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Administrative Tools.
3. Double-click Computer Management.
4. Click Device Manager.
5. Right-click each device icon, click Uninstall and then click OK.
6. Shutdown the PC.
7. Remove the Hard Drive and install it into the new PC.

With any luck you will be up and running. You will probably have to reactivate.
Have your Motherboard CD from your new PC handy as you will have to install all drivers.

by david.wallis

you can. the reason windows blue screens when you put a harddisk in a different machine is becuase of a different chipset.

if you go into windows and IDE controllers (make sure the windows ones are installed and not the manufacturer ones like VIA)

also uninstall the video and sound drivers....

possibly the network one too

swap the drive over and your away :-)

by burntout_13

The reason the new machine has no o/s is because i bought the computer off ebay from a computer dealer at a very low price and the o/s was extra. A friend of mine who is pretty good with computers said it is possible to swap drives so i just wanted some clarification on the issue. Thanks for all your posts much appreciated

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