There are two issues, hardware and software.

First, hardware.  A desktop hard drive will likely not work in a notebook, 
but will likely work in another desktop, provided there are connectors for 
it.  The problem is that we are in a transitional period where drives are 
changing over to SATA.  I assume that this is one of the older drives, not 
SATA.  A new computer "should" have connectors for the older drives, but it 
might not.  If it does, then there is no sweat.  You just have to make sure 
that it is jumpered properly as the master or slave.

Second, software.  Are you replacing the main drive in the new computer with 
the old drive?

If yes, then the operating system, if Windows XP or later, might balk at all 
the new hardware.  Also, the hardware drivers for the old system will be 
present, not the drivers for the new system.  You may have to find new 
drivers.  This would include motherboard, video, sound, etc.

If no, then the drive should work fine, but not necessarily the programs. 
Many programs make registry changes at installation time.  The registry will 
be on the new disk, not the old one.  You will need to reinstall the 
programs, and this could run into a licensing problem.

---

Your statement, "it is running ..." is somewhat ambiguous.  Which, the old 
or the new or both?  If old, is it an oem version of XP or a full version 
that you purchased?

The "new computer" is not clear - are you building this, is it a complete, 
generic computer, or is it a proprietary computer such as HP or Dell?

A clarification of what you are trying to do as well as more information on 
the two computers would possibly permit a more accurate and less ambiguous 
answer.

HTH

Dean Kukral


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Diane Kroeckel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2007 1:38 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Transferring Hard Drives


>I am planning on getting a new computer, I need to know if I can just
> install my old HD into my new computer. Will it work?  Will I be able to
> just plug it in and start using it with all the programs already
> installed?
>
> It is running WinXP Pro with SP2, Word, etc.
>
> Lew Russakov
>
>
>        The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website,
>           web based bulletinboard for questions and answers:
>              Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com
> 

        The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website,
           web based bulletinboard for questions and answers:
              Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com