Reusing HD with XP installed

[Wizrdwarts]

What will happen if I just move my hard drive with Windows XP to a new computer with a new CPU and mobo? Will it work just like before or will I have to reformat?

Also, if it's an OEM version, will it just not boot on the new comp and still work on the old one or will it lock down or anything like that?

If it's a retail version do I have to worry about anything?

[Jazzman]

Re: Reusing HD with XP installed

all i know is that when you use a difrent mobo you have to reinstall the os

[Flt. Sgt. Powderhound]

Re: Reusing HD with XP installed

Well, if it's OEM it won't work, and if it's the PC in your profile, it will most likely be OEM.

[Wizrdwarts]

Re: Reusing HD with XP installed

I'm not using to original HD that came with the Dell though, it's my copy of Windows too.

Either way I have to reinstall Windows if I want to use that to boot? I can just put the HD in the new rig, copy the files, and replace it back in the Dell right?

[iQue]

Re: Reusing HD with XP installed

Sometimes it could work, sometimes not.

But you would be better off reinstalling windows since it can cause stability issues to just move it to a new mobo like that.

[Jazzman]

Re: Reusing HD with XP installed

our computer science teacher got it working once, but that was after alot of hard work and in the end it wasn't very stable...

[Xylaquin]

Re: Reusing HD with XP installed

technically if the OS is used on a new chipset it won't work without a repair installation. If your OEM disc is an XP install disc, you can just put your hard drive into your new rig (or indeed make an exact replica of your old drive onto a new drive), then use the disc and perform a repair installation.

If however your OEM disc is a restore disc, then it's very likely it won't like your new motherboard/chipset and thus you're cooked.

iQu'e is correct however, as sometimes OEM restore discs work. Mine did.

[Wizrdwarts]

Re: Reusing HD with XP installed

By OEM disc I don't mean ones that come from Dell, HP, etc., but the ones Microsoft sells meant for system builders and are locked to a specific motherboard.

I think I have a regular version, so just do a repair install?

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Reusing HD with XP installed

Sometimes it could work, sometimes not.

But you would be better off reinstalling windows since it can cause stability issues to just move it to a new mobo like that.

i went from a p965 (Asus P5B-E) chipset to an x38 mobo (P5E) without having to slick the operating system and reload. it's a group licensed copy though, so it never phones the mothership in the Land of Redmondia and i don't have to have MS WGA (drm-infectionware) enabled for it to get updates.

xp will recognize mobo-specific chipset drivers and adjust accordingly. for ideal performance, you WILL want to reinstall...i've just been too **** busy lately, besides, it's rock solid stable while i'm working on it and when i spend a few hours gaming on it on the weekends.