XP Pro Migration Question

[Silicon_Snail]

I'm getting ready to build a new PC and am wondering about reinstalling XP Pro, or in this case moving the old drive to the new systems. I know XP can be pretty picky about new hardware. Am I going to have to worry about getting a new activation number from Microsoft or will my original Activation number work?

[jhirst]

You are moving the old hard drive with XP on it to the new system? Technically if the version of XP on the drive was OEM it is supposed to stay with original hardware but that is not practical. You should just be able to put it in the new system.

You should not have much of a problem with the hardware. With the new pc components you will just install the drivers from the cds.

By the way:

Welcome!!! :)

[pam123]

I swapped out my motherboard and did a repair install.
XP threw a fit and I ended up calling M$ to get reactivated.
Note this well : if XP has a fit you will not be getting a 30 day grace period. I got 2 reboots after the mobo switch before I had to call M$.
On the plus side : it's a voice robot. Just give it the numbers and it will give you back the numbers you need. It's a fairly painless 5 minute process.

[jhirst]

I have obviously been lucky, having done a mobo swap with two different systems with xp and just installing the drivers afterwards, no problem. Sometimes in this business you are lucky and sometimes you nearly tear your hair out. Who loves B. Gates here? Maybe that voice robot is actually Mr Gates!

[Panama Red]

I've done what you describe and had success using XP Home. Before your last shut down of the working system, go into Device Manager and Remove only the items native to the old system, like onboard sound, etc. Do not restart after each Removal or XP will reinstall the drivers. Once the Remove process is completed, power down and remove the hard drive. Install it in the new machine and on power up XP will find all your new hardware and look for drivers. Hold off plugging in printers and faxes and any other external peripheral stuff until the basic system hardware is found and drivers loaded. The one by one add the peripherals and have any drivers required ready in case XP doesn't have them built in. When finished, check your Device Manager to assure that everything is porperly recognized. Reactivation of XP is a toss up. Try Windows Update and see if you have any problems. Chances are, you'll be fine. This way worked for me, hope it helps you too. Good luck.