Installing old HD into new system

[mallik]

I tried to put my old HD with all my existing data into a new system. When the thing is booting up, it just stops and restarts. I was told that because it's new hardware, I would have to reinstall windows. Will I lose any data at all? I want to keep everything how it was, including favourites, bookmarks, things on my desktop etc. If I do repair install, will I be able to do this?

 

[birdpup]

It is correct that you cannot transfer your operating system from one system to another. The operating system will need to be reinstalled through either a clean installation or a repair installation, depending on your needs. There is a possibility of data loss with a repair install since it is a major operation for the operating system to be put through but it is possible to solve your situation. The new motherboard and other hardware components require drivers that were not installed for your previous system. The repair installation would install these drivers and update any other system files that require updating. It is best to backup all of your data before you perform a repair installation.

More information can be found here:
Hard Drive, Partition, and Data Recovery and Diagnostic Resources

specifically,
Windows Repair Install
Microsoft Support: How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
Michael Stevens: How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

 

[FlyingPenguin]

WHENEVER you change mobos you need to perform a Windows Repair Install. You will keep your old apps and data. You'll need to install all the latest drivers afterwards (Windows will install only it's generic drivers) and install the latest Windows updates and service packs.

Instructions here: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Fern]

See HERE. It's an Anandtech article on how to do it. Scroll down and read "misc notes".

I think this is the third time today I have had to link this article 🙂

Fern

 

[birdpup]

Originally posted by: Fern
See HERE. It's an Anandtech article on how to do it. Scroll down and read "misc notes".

I think this is the third time today I have had to link this article 🙂

Fern

Thank you Fern. That article has made the list.
Hard Drive, Partition, and Data Recovery and Diagnostic Resources