HDD Transfer and more probs...

[DarkReign]

Yes, I am learning. This site and its denizens have been huge in my study. I pose another quandry for you.

I basically re-tooled my existing Dell PC. Mobo and VGA specifically. The Dell didnt have the PSU to push the new VGA (also, the old mobo was AGP x4, while the card is x8).

Long story short, I have replaced the mobo and psu (psu came with new case...Dell cases suck).

Irregardless, I have done my own research and found that Dell uses a proprietary version of XP (it is tied to the mobo). Thats fine, but how can I get my info off of the hdd without having to network 2 PCs?

Also, can one just swap the mobo, plug your old HDD in, and have the system work?

I ask because I did just that. The HDD is from a Dell (boooo!). So, my problem is 2 fold.

1. Dell XP looks for matching mobo (obviously not there) and it will load to Account Selection, but when I click on my name it says "This Windows copy must be activated, click here to activate". I click, it says "Windows already activated". This is an endless circle.

2. Lets assume that the HDD isnt Dell, or that it has a Dell XP version installed on it. Just a plain copy of XP and a plain HDD. Can a person change out the components mentioned, plug in the old HDD, and have the system work?

Thanks in advance!

[Marke522]

So let me get this straigh, you have one computer that works, and one extra harddrive with all your files on it?

Just put it in your computer as a slave and drag and drop the files you need. Be sure to do this work when the pc is off and unplugged. It may also be possible to make the hardddrive and external one with a usb kit. They have them on Newegg.com

If that isn't the case, if you only have one harddrive, just plug it in, and it should work just fine, you're not reinstalling windows, are you?

[DarkReign]

Originally Posted by Marke522 So let me get this straigh...

I swapped the HDD already. I couldnt log on because the copy of XP I have is from Dell. I checked on the Dell forums about swapping components.

From what I gather, Dell uses a propriatary version of XP. Meaning, Windows doesnt work unless your mobo is a Dell-brand.

Is there anyway to access my old hard drive without re-formatting? Can I put a HDD that has an OS installed as a slave and access?

Better?

[glc]

Can I put a HDD that has an OS installed as a slave and access?

Yes. That's what you are going to have to do. Slave the drive into another functioning XP computer.

[DarkReign]

Thank you, glc. You da man. You answered a bunch of questions in my other threads as well.