Using Old HDD with new computer (same cpu type)

jcarpenter17 · Dec 27, 2014

So I just bought all the components for my new PC and I assumed I could use my old HDD with windows 7. After buying the parts I learned you can't really transfer an old HDD into a new computer with different components except in some cases where platforms are similar. The old computer which had 4 gigs of ram (which I am still using) and a pentium processor. The only difference is I am using a different mobo and a different pentium chip (G3258) Will it work?

Here is my build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fkt4wP

Jdogz427 · Dec 27, 2014

umm i think it will work, you should just have to set up bios to boot from the drive. The amount of ram shouldnt be an issue, you may just have to install new drivers, or run an auto drivers update from the OS.

USAFRet · Dec 27, 2014

Even if the platform is very similar, sometimes it does not work.

Last week, I tried it with 2 very similar Compaq laptops:
Windows 7 Home Premium - Compaq CQ60-211DX -> CQ60-215DX

No boot.

Jdogz427 · Dec 27, 2014

USAFRet :

strange. maybe if you can or want to do a fresh install from the drive if you still have the OS disc.

jcarpenter17 · Dec 27, 2014

Jdogz427 :

I don't have the OS disk because windows was preinstalled when I bought the computer.

USAFRet · Dec 27, 2014

Jdogz427 :

Not strange at all. Just a couple of laptops I'm fixing. I just tried it to see if it would boot.
Nope.

Similarly, going from an Intel G840 and a Gigabyte motherboard to an Intel G3258 and a Gigabyte motherboard = no boot. Fully functional Windows 7 drive. Put it back in the other PC, no problem.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't
Hence, a clean install is generally recommended.

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Using Old HDD with new computer (same cpu type)

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