can a emachine harddrive be put in dell machine
2007-10-17 04:47:58 · 14 answers · asked by speedy 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Yes.
But, if the Hard drive has Windows on it, it will need to be reinstalled.
2007-10-17 04:52:16 · answer #1 · answered by Ian G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theoretically yes. Depends on some factors though.
If this hard drive is from a computer such as an e-machine then no it probably won't work since these systems typically only have the drivers that the OS (operating system) needs to run on the machine.
If you want to just be able to take a hard drive and use it with Linux then yes. Linux can typically access most other operating systems' files and directory structures.
One caveat is that with newer machines they typically have a hard drive interface called SATA (serial ATA) whereas older machines use IDE or PATA (parallel ATA). If your new machine has both then it shouldn't be a problem.
2007-10-17 05:00:18 · answer #2 · answered by Roger F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but Emachines tend to fix Windows so it will detect a new motherboard or processor or whatever and then stop working. Quite rude I think, but I may be wrong, it won't do any harm to give it a go.
Anyway, you can format your hard-drive, wiping everything off it and install another operating system. Linux is free but you can get old windows with licenses from some small computer shops, if you are lucky. You could even try writing to EMachines and Dell, tell them the situation and appeal to their better nature, that is appeal to the image they like to advertise.
2007-10-17 04:59:38 · answer #3 · answered by xenobyte72 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Physically, yes.
Will it have all the right drivers, etc to work properly in the other computer, no.
Also, because Windows keeps track of what computer a hard drive is installed in, it may refuse to activate Windows for you on the new computer.
You may want to reformat the drive and reinstall Windows when you move it. Or you can try and see if it will behave with the current Windows install on it. Either way, you will need the Dell drivers and probably to reactivate Windows.
You would have to go to Dell and download the drivers (audio, video, chipset, etc) for that Dell model and install them on the hard drive. Usually only takes a few minutes to do that.
If the Windows refuses to activate in the new computer, that means a call the Microsoft to have them issue a new activation code for the drive. They are usually good about doing if you explain that you are moving the drive to a new computer.
2007-10-17 04:57:31 · answer #4 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, physically speaking, yes, no problem, if your motherboard is compatible with the port of your hard drive, which shouldn't really be a problem as most motherboards nowadays have both SATA and IDE connections. But if you mean use your old windows install on a new computer, then you may encounter problems. You will have to reinstall winows, so you should backup your stuff, put the hard drive in, then install windows, then restore your stuff.
2007-10-20 11:55:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes that is perfectly alright.
Hard drives are not made for particular machines.
They are universal and can be used on any computer.
How ever the windows setup on the hard drive would be for your emachine and might not be the same for the dell.
To fix this you would have to install the operating system again.
Hope this Helps.
2007-10-17 04:58:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it can.
Hard drive's are now normally SATA and are put into internal
3.5'' drive bays.
After fitting the new hard drive in,reinstall the O/S.
I don't know what happens if u already have a O/S installed onto the previous hard drive that came with the original computer though.I guess your going to have to buy an new O/S.
But u can have more than 1 internal hard drive.It really depends on how many 3.5 drive bays are open and free on the computer case u are using.
I hope this helps!
2007-10-17 05:05:28 · answer #7 · answered by Shimon K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yo can do it. But that depends on how u r going to use it. If u want that drive to BOOT the other pc, then u have to install drivers of that pc, sometimes even windows...& all that process. But if u want to connect it to just transfer files,then no problem. U just made the drive slave, connect it to pata or do things for sata. then reboot. ur new drive & partitions will be on mycomputer. But before removing & connecting rename the drives,as a1, a2...... b1, b2... so that u can easily find the harddisks when connecting to other pc.
2007-10-17 05:37:48 · answer #8 · answered by dishwara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the OS is Windows, don't expect it to work in the new PC. Windows is tied to the motherboard of the computer it's installed in, and Windows also doesn't come with many drivers installed. If the OS is Linux, then it'll work just fine, since it is not tied to any motherboard, and all the driver detection is in the kernel.
2016-05-23 04:08:36 · answer #9 · answered by meredith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
save yourself time...buy an external hard drive. Back everything up to that, then TRANSFER to your new comp...
then you got a external HD which can keep a back-up of your files, music and pics...so if the dell crashes or currupts you can re-upload it.
(it wont back-up operating systems though)
Dont cost much and are worth having...bout £60
2007-10-17 08:18:34 · answer #10 · answered by tlionhart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2007-10-17 04:55:10 · answer #11 · answered by Hangssei 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋