Upgrading computer except HDD, new WinXP install?

[Yggsdrasil]

I am upgrading almost everything in my computer, basically all I'm keeping is the hard drive and sound card. Will the new machine boot from the install currently on my hard drive? Do I need to re-install, or maybe repair the installation?

 

[Shooters]

I would really suggest a clean install if you're upgrading that many components. You can try to get it to work without having to re-install, but it's likely going to be a big pain in the ass and just cause you headache and frustration. If you still want to give it a shot look here.

 

[Yggsdrasil]

Thanks.

I have 2 seperate partitions on the drive, could I backup data on the second and reinstall on the first? Or should put everything on CD's? This is what I am avoiding, but I know it is the safest way to go.

 

[andyfasthands]

Partitioning should work fine.

 

[brianp34]

You really, really want to do a clean install. If you have a partition to back up your data too, you'll be fine.

 

[PowerEngineer]

If you have a little more money to spend, I'd purchase a new hard drive to replace your current one. Do a fresh install of XP on it, and then add your old drive back in (as the primary on your second IDE channel). You can then easily copy over the stuff you want to keep onto the new drive, and then reformat the old drive for more space.

 

[Yggsdrasil]

I don't have the extra cash, I'm kind of pushing it with everything I've already ordered. It's only a few months old. Seagate 80gb Barracuda IV. I will be getting a SATA drive in the near future.

 

[Yggsdrasil]

FYI - The new system will be:

Asus A7N8X Deluxe mobo
AMD 2500 barton
512 pc2700
Antec workstation tower w/ 430w ps
80gb Seagate HDD (existing)
SB Audigy (existing)
undecided GF4 Ti4200 *suggestions welcome

For CAD work, gaming and general office work.

 

[PowerEngineer]

If you still have the old drive that the Seagate presumably replaced, maybe you could add that back into your current system, reformat it, and then copy your stuff to it. It'd allow you to reformat the Seagate completely without relying on the partitions, and then add the old disk back in. I know that moving all your stuff to your non-OS partition and then just reformating the OS partition should work -- but there's something about backing things up on a different physical device that makes me feel safer.

 

[Yggsdrasil]

I agree. Thus my questioning.

I was selling my old machine to a friend so I hadn't given much thought to using it since I formatted in in preperation for a clean install of windows for him. But I could finish my setup before moving the drive.

This sounds like the best plan to me.

 

[emjem]

If you are willing to format your hdd and start from scratch then you should be willing to try using it as is. That is, build your new system with your existing hdd/OS as is and boot it up. Windows will do its adding new hardware routine. When you get booted into Windows install the drivers that came with your mobo. AFTER that reboot install the video drivers.

The odds are that you will be good to go without a format. If not, you can try reinstalling Windows on top of itself. Otherwise you can format and start from scratch -- all it cost you is an hour or so of time.

 

[chocoruacal]

Originally posted by: Yggsdrasil
I am upgrading almost everything in my computer, basically all I'm keeping is the hard drive and sound card. Will the new machine boot from the install currently on my hard drive? Do I need to re-install, or maybe repair the installation?

Reinstall...and do it RIGHT this time. 1 partition for your operating system ONLY. Programs/data/everything else on separate partitions/drives. That way when you reinstall, you don't lose anything and don't have to reinstall most programs.

 

[Yggsdrasil]

That is a brilliant plan. I have wanted to do something like that in the past bust wasn't sure i could load programs on another partition. I already keep all data that I save in specific locations so it is easy to backup/move.

Everything came in the mail today so I will dig into it tonight. I will let you know how it goes. Any other last minute suggestions are VERY welcome.

chocoruacal: Can you tell me more about installing programs on seperate partitions TextText

 

[Insidious]

you don't lose anything and don't have to reinstall most programs

Have you actually done this or are you assuming?

it is very hard for me to imagine a program directory copied, but without the corresponding registry entries actually functioning....
I really don't think that plan is going to work.


-Sid

 

[Yggsdrasil]

I got every thing up and running last night. I just reformatted the primary partition and installed clean. I tried to repair the installation but it just kept locking during setup.

Now I just have to reload all my programs.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[squidman]

Rule of a PC hardwarist number n:

Whenever u add a component, any component in your sytem - do a fresh install.

Other rule:

Prior to installing new OS, check the new device functionality with current OS, using drivers that came on CD.

 

[Insidious]

Originally posted by: squidman
Rule of a PC hardwarist number n:

Whenever u add a component, any component in your sytem - do a fresh install.

Other rule:

Prior to installing new OS, check the new device functionality with current OS, using drivers that came on CD.

Amen Brother :beer:

I fudge on some components, but if it's major at all...... well, you know

-Sid

PS: "Well Done" on getting it up and running Now it's time for you to have fun and enjoy the fruits of that labor

 

[Deuce24]

Fresh installs = our friend