Guys....

I've just been given a computer minus the hard drive. it's in very good nick. It ran XP PRO.

My older computer has the same O.S.

My question is... Can i simply swap the HDD from my old girl into this newer one and expect it to work ok ?

or is there a procedure ? I have both Prod keys if needed...

Alby wrote:Guys....

I've just been given a computer minus the hard drive. it's in very good nick. It ran XP PRO.

My older computer has the same O.S.

My question is... Can i simply swap the HDD from my old girl into this newer one and expect it to work ok ?

or is there a procedure ? I have both Prod keys if needed...

Hi
The answer is no.
Unless both have identical motherboards.
Right down to the BIOS.

Coolaroo.

So... basically start from scratch... New HDD...upgrade to a more current O.S. ?

Alby wrote:Coolaroo.

So... basically start from scratch... New HDD...upgrade to a more current O.S. ?

Hi
Depends on your requirements.
Nothing wrong with XP.
Though I really rate Windows 8.
It probably isn't for everyone.
Windows 7 is very good.
But if XP works for you.
Stick with it.

Had a look inside..

It has a combo of IDE and SATA cabling... IDE to the Burner and SATA to the HDD. Always thought it was one or the other...

Whilst I do have an XP disc, the worry is any new software I might want to install wont work with XP. Is that an issue now ?

My plan is to use it as a back up for the wifes baby (vista) I'd be more inclined to go with Win 8 and add her software a bit at a time. If that makes sense...

Hi
You can get get Windows 8 Professional for a bargain.
Whilst it is (this version at least.. http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9130579.htm ) listed as an upgrade package.
You can do a clean (full) install.
Which I what I did with my laptop.

Hell, an old rig? Put Ubuntu on it and use it as a web browsing rig with perhaps some light Libreoffice (MSOffice like) work. Why pay for a Windows license on an old rig?

I'm in no hurry with it. look... it's probably 5 or 6 years old... hardly used. I might even use it for spare parts for our current machine as it's an identical case - Thermaltake- Soprano