Can I install my existing XP HD in a new computer? 1

[JSpillman]

My motherboard died and rather than just replace it, I got a new barebones computer. How do I get the hard drive to work in the new system. I am running XP Home. The old system was a Celeron 1.3 GHz and the new is an AMD AthlonXP 2200+. If I have to wipe out the hard drive, I would at least like to get some of the files off beforehand. The problem with that is that the old machine is dead and I currently have no way to access the drive. Am I completely out of luck? Thanks in advance for any help.

John

 

[emboyd]

I had this issue last year when I upgraded my motherboard and CPU. There is apparently a workaround on the Microsoft "Windows XP" site (sorry no link), that addresses this issue. Since the original hardware configuration is linked to the initial install of XP on your machine, it's gonna BSOD as soon as you try to boot with the new hardware. Maybe someone else can give a little more info.



Eric M. Boyd
Business Systems Analyst
Washington Mutual Bank

 

[bcastner]

Personally, I would clean install.

But it can be done. The linked article discusses a Win2k setting, but everything there is true for XP.

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/install/other/motherboard/win2k.htm

For XP choose "solutions" #4, #6, #8 and as a last choice #7.

 

[JSpillman]

But don't I have to have access to the hard drive to perform any of these options? I can't get to the hard drive because I can't get it to boot in the new system.

John

 

[wolluf]

Have you tried a repair reinstall? -

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

 

[JSpillman]

This copy of XP was pre-installed by the manufacturer so I don't have an actual Windows XP installation CD. Therefore, I don't think I can do a repair reinstall. To make matters worse, I can't even find my restore CDs that came with the computer.

John

 

[dazzaboy]

As another option, you could install a spare HD you've got lying around and use your existing unbootable HD as a slave to the spare HD and drag your files across.

Then reformat and freshly install XP on the original HD and drag your files back again. If you have a spare drive big enough to do this that is.? If not borrow one.

Cheers,

:.DaZ.:

 

[dazzaboy]

Thanks for the star. )

:.DaZ.: