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General discussion

Can I just move the HD?

Dec 1, 2003 10:35PM PST

This probably won't work but I have to ask.

My current machine is a Compaq 5102US 1 Gig processor running XP Home. I have severely customized it:

Sony 16X DVD-ROM
Sony 52-24-52 CDRW
Original 40 Gig HD
Slave 20 Gig HD
Internal Zip-100
384 Meg RAM
D-link NIC, cable modem and router

I want more speed. Can I get a new Compaq (bare bones) 2 or 3 Gig processor http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=546120 and just move everything to the new machine? My concern is Windows XP. Will it run with the new system board?

Discussion is locked

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Re:Can I just move the HD?
Dec 1, 2003 10:59PM PST

Reregister or rekey will be the main event as XP will see too much of a h/w change. But this process should be painless(as possible) as long as the restore CD is present since you mention Compaq. That said, if you have a orginal XP CD(not a restore one) makes this process slightly more easier.

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Re:Re:Can I just move the HD?
Dec 1, 2003 11:33PM PST

Yeah, major hardware change. The machine came with ME. Formatted and installed 98SE. Then XP Home, so I have the XP CD (retail copy).

My concern was the hardware changes. I just don't want any of the preloaded crap that always comes with a new machine, and I want to keep all my hardware. This 5102 purrs like a kitten, I just want a faster machine.

Thanks for the info.

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Re:Re:Re:Can I just move the HD?
Dec 2, 2003 8:53PM PST

you most likely will have to do a repair install with xp CD no big deal, them may have to reactivate again no hard problem Ive done many at shop 1 fast call or most time just a click and away you go Grin

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Here's what you can do...
Dec 2, 2003 9:10PM PST
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Coryphaeus - in addition perhaps.
Dec 2, 2003 9:41PM PST

1. Referencing the subject "Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)" in the link provided, the MSKB article [Q299340] explains:

a. To "force in" a system Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) during an upgrade or installation of Windows XP, note that during the Text-mode phase of Setup, you receive the following informational message across the bottom of the screen:

Press F6 if you need to install a third-party SCSI or RAID driver.

b. When this message appears, press F5 to see a list of computer types (listed in bold). You can now make HAL choices by viewing the different options. Note that if you instead press F7, the Standard PC HAL loads, and the ACPI compliance check is bypassed.

2. Further suggested reading is the MSKB article, "HAL Options After Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 Setup (Q309283)."

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Thanks guys, I ment to state. . .
Dec 2, 2003 11:32PM PST

What I want to do is move the existing HD with XP installed to the new computer. Just remove it from the old PC, remove the new HD (with all the crap that comes preinstalled), and plug the old HD into the new PC. Compaq to Compaq. Do you think there will be any problems? I can forsee a ton of "New Hardware Found" messages, which may be insurmountable.

What I'm trying to do is prevent a new install, just move the HD from one machine to another.

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(NT) Review the instructions in the link I gave...it's for what you want to do...
Dec 3, 2003 12:01AM PST
Happy
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(NT) Yep, finally read all of it, thanks.
Dec 3, 2003 12:16AM PST

.