suprising windows with a new mobo/processor - will this work?

[srsanborn]

how will windows react (long term) if i have installed windows on 1 hardware rig, and want to swap the HD, complete with windows/software installations, over to a new rig incl. a new mobo/processor. besides flipping out after booting and searching for drivers to update its hardware profiles ... is there any long term negative effect of not reinstalling windows over a new hardware rig?

 

[lowtech1]

What you can do is make a backup of the registry & ERD disk then, remove the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE directory in registry & mount the hdd in the new machine with the apropriate drivers in hand.

Reboot the new system & cross your fingers. Other wise you could try MS Win2k Guide to Unattended Setup

 

[earthman]

You didn't say what version of Windows. The 9x series is pretty forgiving, you may be prompted for new drivers, but thats about all. Win XP may freak out and not boot at all like it did for me. I had to do a clean install and get it re-activated.