Question about installing my current HD in a new motherboard

[plautus]

I've purchased a barebones system into which I'm planning to install the HD from my current system. Do I have to do a complete reinstall of XP? Or is there a way to reinstall the OS but leave the files? Thanks.

 

[Blazer]

what files do you need to leave?

 

[plautus]

I'm hoping to keep mp3s, image files, Word files,etc.

 

[Blazer]

do a repair install, not the best for a new mobo.

install the drive in another computer as slave and move the files.

then do a complete format and OS load for the new mobo.

 

[Tarrant64]

Originally posted by: blazer
do a repair install, not the best for a new mobo.

install the drive in another computer as slave and move the files.

then do a complete format and OS load for the new mobo.

It's doable though. I've done this before and as long as you have the mobo drivers needed you should be alright. If it does become a problem though a reinstall is the best option. Also, you might be prompted to verify your Windows XP key again. If this happens there can be a little bit of a snag. If you connect your internet through the onboard ethernet connection, chances are after doing the repair install those drivers will not have been setup yet.

So if you go to login to your system and it has locked you out wanting a valid license key you will most likely have to call. You can't activate anything online if you can't get to the internet, right? 🙂 I've done this before and it's not a problem. Just say no you haven't installed it on another system and you should be good to go. However, don't sweat over this yet because this doesn't happen often. I think you'll be just fine. I just wanted to give you a heads up.