Using old HDD's in new build

[CrazyIrishman]

What are the steps involved in installing old HDD's into a new build? I was going to use the master w/ the OS to boot from and install the slave HDD after its all up and running. The master has all of the files needed while the slave HDD only has music on it.

The new mobo is an ABIT KN8 SLI and the OS is Win XP SP2.

Later on I want to go with a SATA HDD but that has to wait for the moment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.


THX

[LeftyAce]

If you want to save the programs on the master, you'll need to do a repair install of windows. I doubt windows will let you authenticate it though; it really is a brand new computer...

The storage drive with music is no problem. After you've done the installation, add that drive. It'll show up as the E: drive or something in My Computer.

[CrazyIrishman]

Hi Lefty,


I don't know if it matters but I forgot to mention that the OS is Windows XP Pro SP2.


What is involved in doing a repair install of the OS? My buddy who built it has the CD for XP Pro while I may still have one for the Millennium Edition but then that is going backwards IMO.


Thanks for your help!


Marty
CI

[glc]

XP repair install procedures are in a sticky thread in the Tips and Tricks forum. You need to do this in order to move an operating system drive from one computer to another unless the IDE controllers have the exact same chipset.

[LeftyAce]

You boot from the installation CD, and select repair install. The trickey part is that you may need a new license code; microsoft probably won't let you re activate the old code on a totally new computer. But you can try. You'll certainly have to call them and explain the situation when you try to authenticate windows.

*EDIT* glc beat me to it :-)

[CrazyIrishman]

Thanks guys!

I know for a fact the chip set is different between the two.

Guess I'll be buying an XP Pro CD and just do a clean install. That seems to be the best way since I can't get in touch with my buddy plus the little "glitch" with a license code. A new install should kill two birds with one stone so to speak!



CI

[LeftyAce]

If you buy a new cd, and still want to save all your installed programs, you can still do a repair install. Then use the new license code to activate, and you're off!

If you can just as easily reinstall all your stuff, a fresh install would eliminate any chance of hiccups though.

[CrazyIrishman]

I see that Windows XP Pro is available as "retail" or "OEM". Does it matter which OS version I buy ?


THX
CI

[LeftyAce]

OEM doesn't come in a box, but you're fine to get it. It's a bit cheaper too. (I'm using the OEM version)