How do I copy my old HD to my new PC?

[CRE]

I have a Pentium III computer with Windows 2000 Pro and important info on my 10gb Quantum HD. Right now I'm building a Pentium IV w/ the Soyo P4I Fire Dragon. My question is, how would I copy my old HD to my new computer without losing any information? I do not want to go through the hassle of installing every program over again considering everything is tailored to my taste. I have access to Norton Ghost and DriveCopy, but I'm afraid that by using those programs, my system would not work because the specs of the two computers are not the same.

If anyone has any experience with my problem or any suggestions as to what I can do, please reply. Thank you, Alan.

 

[mjolnir2k]

I am no pro, but here is what I think (KEYWORD "THINK").

You can use Norton Ghost to copy drive contents from one drive to another, however if you then put that newly created drive into a DIFFERENT system you will run into problems with the OS not working. It would be the same deal as if you were to pull your HDD out of your dell and try to get it to boot up in your Compaq (for example). The OS will not read the new system parameters correctly (bios etc).

Can you just put the files (NON OS) that you would like to keep onto the new drive, install it in the new system and THEN install your OS from scratch, once it's in the new system? (of course, this will not work if you are required to format the disk prior to OS install)

my newbie thoughts anyway....