First build, need help with initial setup

[rizaydog]

I have all the parts needed to build the pc. I am building this to replace my old computer. My questions are about the software instalation.

Can I copy my xp os from my old 40 gig drive to my new 250 drive for use in my new pc? I wont be using my old computer, its way to slow.

Or should I use an oem version of xp? I get a deal on the disc with the purchase of my new harddrive.

Do I need a system disc that I see people talking about. All of the articals that I have read about building a pc talk about a system disc in the floppy drive used to alter the bios and harddrive. I don't have a floppy for my new pc. I have one on my old pc but I dont ever use it. If I need this system disc, can I make one using a cd?

Thanks in advance

[freakitchen]

Regarding your existing copy of XP - the answer is 'depends'. If it's an OEM or Retail copy that you purchased yourself, and you have the disc and licence key - then yes. You can install it legally on your new system, as long as you remove it from your old computer. You can't directly copy that old drive to the new one without drive cloning software.

If, however, that copy of XP was supplied in a pre-built brand-name PC (compaq, Dell etc.) then you won't be able to transfer it - those copies are keyed to the original BIOS.

You don't need a system disc. You boot from the XP CD to install windows.

FK

[ktkendall]

Get the OEM version of windows and no, you do not need a floppy, just boot from the windows cd and it will take you through the installation process. Copying over from your old pc will not work well, and is not the preferred way to go, fresh install on new pc is best, but don't you have a windows disk from that older PC ?? What version of windows is on that old one?? You can slave that old drive into the new PC when its loaded to copy any files you wish to save. You can legally run 1 copy or 1 windows license per PC so as long as your not keeping windows on the old PC you can legally use the disk unless it is one of those ones to be used on on the PC it came with.