Make HDD swapable bet. laptops

I have two distinct laptop systems (one’s a Dell, the other’s a Gateway). I’d like to remove the Dell’s HDD and put in the Gateway. HOWEVER, I’d like it to be a temporary arragement ’til I get a drive for the Gateway. I’d like to conserve the Windows XP Pro OS installed in the drive for the Dell. And perhaps use the same installation in the Gateway. What do you recommend? Can I use Windows Hardware Profiles for this purpose? Thanks.