Big upgrade option

[Bubba's Dad]

My MB died on a 5 year old build. I am rebuilding nearly from scratch as there are so many tech changes from my old system.

I have my old IDE drive with the "world" on it. I have the ability to "re-image" the new SATA drive from the old IDE drive. OR I can re install XP on the new SATA drive and just copy over the data and reinstall all my programs.

Now, the re-image seems easier except for all the new MB drivers. I remember discussing on here a windows file that can be deleted or renamed that holds all this info and the file can be restored with the new drivers etc.

Anyone remember the trick?

Also, If I re-install XP you think Microsoft will let me re-register with so many changes????

Thanks for the help

BTW the new build is
MB Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3l Intel P35
A-Data @GB (2x1gb) DDR2 800
Intel C2D E6550 2.33 Conroe
PSU Hiper 4M480 12V2.2
WD 250 GB SATA 3.0
WD 80 GB SATA 3.0
2 Sony DVDRW drives

Kept my keyboard, mouse and case

[Alfie]

Your best bet is to reinstall XP on the new drive,after it's installed,install your old drive on the ide channel.
XP will ask you to activate,it will either reactivate,or inform you you to call Microsoft,this procedure is pretty painless and is now fully automated.
There was the enum trick with previous Windows,but doesn't apply to XP.

[Bubba's Dad]

yes the enum trick.

I guess the reinstall would be the cleanest....just not the easiest.

I guess I can take my chances with MS. I hate the thought of having to re-purchase XP again for a re-build.

Thanks

[Alfie]

You will not have to purchase another copy,as long as your copy is on only one computer,Microsoft will reactivate it,I've upgraded about 6 times with my original XP.

[systempat]

I'd recommend fresh install of the XP on the new drive. You'll have fewer problems but you will have to reinstall the applications. Then put the IDE drive in as a 2nd drive and copy files and folders into your 'my documents' and into folders with the programs where they belong. If you do things like Turbotax, make sure you copy those folders! If you can pull everything you need off the old drive you may then want to format it and start over with it clean.

Getting XP activated. Not a problem at all. They will either do it automatically from the Net or you will have to call on the 800 number. As long as that key is not currently running on another PC you are 100% sure to be OK.
One other item to note if your XP disc does NOT have SP2 on it, which is true for most of us if it's more than 3 years old. You will need to go thru getting the service pack downloaded and reinstalled. Which is a massive download and install. It's a pain but you really need those changes and will have to go patiently thru that.