I have an old pentium 3 computer i got from my grandpa. it has a 20 gb hard drive with windows xp on it, but i didnt get an os disc, and he lost it. Heres my question: if i get a new computer by building it myself with seperate parts, can i use the old hard drive and run windows xp off of it?
2007-01-05 10:21:56 · 9 answers · asked by mjmustang5 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Note: my parts cost w/o a hard drive is slightly under $200, and i have an old cd drive i can use, so i would like a way to do this.
2007-01-05 10:23:10 · update #1
I cannot reinstall windows. thats why im asking this.
Now, how can i install new drivers?
2007-01-05 10:28:42 · update #2
i am building a barebones kit.
The kit has:
- AMD Sempron 3000+
- Biostar Geforce 6100-M9 Socket 939 motherboard
- Powersupply, 400w
- CPU fan
I added
- 256mb memory module
Then i use an old HD and CD drive, and i have an upgrade
2007-01-05 10:32:13 · update #3
my dad has a reinstallation cd from his dell laptop. will that work?
2007-01-05 10:35:12 · update #4
The short answer? Maybe.
The long answer? I wouldn't recommend it. When you install XP (or any OS for that matter) the installation process customizes countless settings to specifically match the hardware that the OS will be running on. All sorts of drivers, settings, and parameters are tweaked to match your particular hardware setup. If you just transplant your OS drive into another computer there's always a chance you'll get XP running, but there will be a million chances for some obscure software/hardware mismatch to cause a catastrophic crash that wipes all your data. Worst case scenario is that you end up with a system that locks up hard every time you boot and leaves you with no access to anything. If the system was prebuilt (a Dell or something) I'd advise contacting the manufacturer and asking for an OS disc. They may charge a few bucks, but it'll be worth it.
If all else fails? If it's a legitimate XP installation and you just don't have a restore disc then you can always search for an XP key viewer, borrow somone else's XP install disc, and then use your legit key to install a fresh copy on a new hard drive. As long as you have a valid key from a valid installation it doesn't matter where the install disc comes from. Just make sure you match your version to the disc you're using (Pro, home, corporate, retail, etc.)
Using the Dell restore CD *might* work, but it's unlikely. Dell's restore discs are "keyed" to the hardware and if they don't think they're running on a Dell box then the install fails. If your dad has a Dell computer then you could always contact Dell and ask for an actual XP install disc. As long as you have proof of purchase they should give you one for pretty cheap.
2007-01-05 10:23:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your motherboard came with a CD, then install the drivers while the drive is still in the old computer. As soon as the install is done, shut it down and move the drive to the new computer. That way, the first time you start up all the drivers will be there and Windows can get to installing all the new hardware.
You might still XP deactivate on you because of all the hardware changes. It will think you're trying to install it on an additional computer.
2007-01-05 19:55:00 · answer #2 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It won't work. WindowsXP has registry entries for CPU and motherboard and such, and if you use it in a different computer, it may boot up, but it isn't going to run right at all because it has different hard ware. You will get a lot of errors and crashes frequently. Spend the money and buy a new copy. Windows XP Home will cost you about 80 bucks.
2007-01-05 19:07:16 · answer #3 · answered by binaryking 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. BUT, I get dozens of computers donated each year. I pass them on, to school kids, charities, private schools.
Many have bad hard drives, or none...
Legally, I must wipe out the Microsoft installed system, or face threats like the SA got, for "transferring felon Microsoft and other BSA members' LEASED software".
Yes, you LEASE proprietary software, thus, the "registration" and back doors, tracers, that are built in to spy on you.
Install any drive, about 6 to 10Gb, up to 500Gb, or run from the LiveCDrom. http://pclinuxos.com is free, runs upto 50X faster, and comes with 1900 games, office suites, browsers, network tools, forensics, science programs, and more... Installed, you can grab all 5500 installed apps. No back doors, virus free, no fees.
I learned more on the website, forums, and from the Linux User Group Installfests ( http://lugww.counter.li.org lists 700+, worldwide!).
2007-01-05 18:41:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have done this before and it worked ok for me. But you will need to download new drivers if you are changing hardware such as motherboard and sound, video, etc. I swap out hard drives all the time. You can actually put a bay into your computer that is changable.
2007-01-05 18:24:39 · answer #5 · answered by micaso1971 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.. if the HDD and OS worked on the old machine, and you are building up a "bare bones" system, it should work. I've put together several "franken-puters" with ebay parts & had good success...
2007-01-05 18:28:13 · answer #6 · answered by Lee W 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes you should be able to use it but you will have to reinstall windows
2007-01-05 18:25:08 · answer #7 · answered by millerman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-01-05 20:04:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as hard drive is good you should be able to do it
2007-01-05 18:24:57 · answer #9 · answered by furmanator1957 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋