Had HP from 2000, just purchased new Dell. Would like to install old hard drive to the Dell to keep from losing data. Is this possible and is there anything I'll have to do after it's installed. It's formated for WinXP .. same as Dell.
2006-11-03 09:05:23 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
It's possible, and a good idea- but there are some hoops to jump- when you plug it in, the computer will see 2 hard drives, each with an operating system. You will have the option of booting either one. Boot into the new, and open the old to move your files from the old into the new. When all you want from the old is on the new, Right-click the old and choose format to wipe it clean. Format using NTFS- that's the Windows XP format- do not quick format either, because quick skips the error checking and repair stage. When that is done, you have a empty hard drive to fill as you please.
If it does not work when you first boot up, the jumper settings are wrong- next to the cables, there are 3 pairs of pins, with a little plastic jumper block connecting one pair- probably the pair on the right. Move the jumper over one (with the power OFF), then try again. Repeat as needed.
2006-11-03 09:23:27 · answer #1 · answered by Theophidian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is buy one of the external USB hard drive cases. That way you have your access to the information on your old HD. Your computer won't try to boot to the old drive unless you set the system BIOS to boot from a USB device. You can use the drive to take information and files anywhere you go. And the best part is you won't have to crack the case on your new computer and void the warranty on it. Oh and the last external case I bought cost me $20.
2006-11-04 00:15:35 · answer #2 · answered by bofh772 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the best solution. If you sell the hard drive someone could have access to your personal info. Just don't make it your "boot" volume as it was made for another hardware config. Your data should be accessable.
2006-11-03 17:09:50 · answer #3 · answered by johndeereman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just make sure you have your jumpers set right and go for it just remember you can copy files and docs but not programs tho
2006-11-03 17:08:44 · answer #4 · answered by spankdis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋