Very old HDD to new computer, possible?

jebroz

Reputable
Jan 17, 2015
5
0
4,510
I have this computer from 2000-2002 and It broke down in 2009 cause of the PSU. I played a lot Counter-Strike and stuff, and would love to take a look into what I did back in the days and memories. Is it possible to use it still, If I put it in my new PC and just plug PSU's cable in it? Thank you!
 
Solution

Convert the old computer to a virtual machine.

  • ■Temporarily put new PSU into the old computer so you can boot it.
    ■Create a new admin account on the old computer. (You can do everything below with an existing account, but I've had the best luck with a new account.)
    ■Download and install VMWare Converter on the old PC...

Convert the old computer to a virtual machine.

  • ■Temporarily put new PSU into the old computer so you can boot it.
    ■Create a new admin account on the old computer. (You can do everything below with an existing account, but I've had the best luck with a new account.)
    ■Download and install VMWare Converter on the old PC.
    https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/info/slug/infrastructure_operations_management/vmware_vcenter_converter_standalone/5_5
    ■Plug in an external HDD.
    ■Run VMWare Converter. Convert the running machine into a VMWare Player image file on the external HDD.
    ■Go watch TV for an hour or so while it runs.
    ■When the conversion is done, turn computer off, move PSU back to your new PC.
    ■Download and install VMWare Player on the new PC. (VirtualBox will work too - it can read VMWare iamges.)
    https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/free#desktop_end_user_computing/vmware_player/4_0
    ■Plug in external drive, copy the VMWare image file to the new computer's HDD. Keep the original on the HDD as a backup.
    ■Start up VMWare Player. Open the image filie you just copied.
    ■Create a snapshot.
    ■Start the VM. If it worked, you'll see your old computer booting in a window.
    ■Install VMWare Tools. Remove any unneeded hardware drivers.
    ■If you mess something up, revert to the snapshot.
    ■Once you have everything set up to your liking, re-activate Windows.
    ■Delete the original snapshot, create a new one. Optionally, delete the copy you have on the external drive and make a new copy.
VMWare's 3D support isn't very good yet (none of the emulators' is), but it'll do DX9. So you may still be able to play Counterstrike in the VM, albeit at a poor framerate.
 
Solution