HD Transfer

[Mosad]

So i plan on moving literally all my components to a new case... this would require moving the hard drive... will i lose the information on my Hard Drive?

 

[mechBgon]

If all the components are the same except for the case and power supply, then Windows shouldn't need to be reinstalled, and therefore your information should be preserved too.

 

[SomeDude22]

only changing main parts such as cpu, mobo would have you reformat windows


so youre fine

 

[Mosad]

Thanks fellas... ill go ahead and ask here as well - for my 9800xt - what silent solution, preferably fanless, can i use? i will be upgarding to the p180 and have good cooling... i just want silence.

 

[Calin]

Originally posted by: SomeDude22
only changing main parts such as cpu, mobo would have you reformat windows


so youre fine

Changing CPU have no effect on Windows - only if you change the mainboard and your Windows won't start you HAVE to reinstall Windows
However, if you change the mainboard from one type of chipset to another, it would be a good idea to reinstall Windows (not necessary, but recomended)

 

[RichUK]

or you could try uninstalling the chipset drivers etc etc.. then put HDD into the new main board then boot windows, you should be able to just install the new chipset drivers when you entr windows like you would when you do a first install .. although bearing in mind i have never done this but logiclly i think it would work


any thoughts??

 

[Calin]

Logically it will work - but sometimes it simply won't, the old drivers aren't really completely uninstalled

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: Calin
Logically it will work - but sometimes it simply won't, the old drivers aren't really completely uninstalled

what about running a prog like driver cleaner?

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Let me chime in here: You do not have to do a complete re-install of WindowsXP when you swap mobos (you DO have to for Win2K).

What you MUST do is boot from the WindowsXP CD and do a REPAIR install (2nd menu after the EULA, not the "Repair from Recovery Console" option in the first menu). This wipes the device manager, re-detects all devices and re-installs all generic drivers (you need to install the latest drivers yourself afterwards).

It also resets all Windows core files back to the versions on the CD (latest Service Pack and updates will need to be re-installed). You will not lose any apps or data.

 

[Calin]

Great! Thanks, FlyingPenguin.
And I never used drivercleaner

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: FlyingPenguin
Let me chime in here: You do not have to do a complete re-install of WindowsXP when you swap mobos (you DO have to for Win2K).

What you MUST do is boot from the WindowsXP CD and do a REPAIR install (2nd menu after the EULA, not the "Repair from Recovery Console" option in the first menu). This wipes the device manager, re-detects all devices and re-installs all generic drivers (you need to install the latest drivers yourself afterwards).

It also resets all Windows core files back to the versions on the CD (latest Service Pack and updates will need to be re-installed). You will not lose any apps or data.

Usefull information ... ill remember that

thanks FlyingPenguin

 

[statik213]

Originally posted by: Mosad
So i plan on moving literally all my components to a new case... this would require moving the hard drive... will i lose the information on my Hard Drive?

You may need to go thru the driver detection process again though.... but it should redetect the old drivers and things would be fine....

 

[FlyingPenguin]

STATIK: That's what a repair install does, and why it's required with a mobo swap.

I've done several dozen mobo swaps and USUALLY a repair install works. Once in a blue moon it doesn't and you have to do a clean install.

It GREATLY helps if you disconnect ALL peripherals and pull all cards (except video) when you do a repair install. Less chance of WinXP hanging if it can't find a driver for a misbehaved device.

Once you're up and running, connect each device one by one and install the driver for it.