PC Upgrading Best Practices

[vaughntx]

I've just ordered a new CPU and SATA drive. I'd like to know the easiest way to do the component swap. Least amount of transfering data, installing progs.

I currently have 2 ide drives (yes yes, I know, old). The CPU is the same socket, so that part is easy and I know I will have to reinstall XP.

How do I (can I?) back up my set up stuff so I won't have to deal with setting my internet, etc up again.

I can leave the old drives in their bays and still connected as I have an open bay and a available mobo connector for the new drive.

I assume, I'd swap the cpu, install the new drive and set the old master to slave.

Anything else I might need to do? I'm shooting for least amount of software installation/changes.

cpu- amd 64 3200 -> amd 62 x2 4200

 

[KyleSTL]

If you use a Ghosting software you will simply be able to boot to an exact copy of your old drive. Norton makes an excellent program called simply "Ghost". I use it, so if you need any help, please post again. There are probably a number of other programs out there to do the same thing, but I trust big name brands with my data. Swapping out the CPU should be no problem. If you've never swapped a CPU read an article about it so that you apply the right amount thermal material, cooler mounting, etc. Also, ensure your motherboard has a bois recent enough to support the new CPU. You should be good to go after that. The ghosting takes a few hours, so be prepared to have some downtime, and disconnect all network connections and non-essential peripherals while it's copying.

 

[g-paw]

Acronis True Image does a really good job of cloning drives. You'd want to close the drive with the OS/programs to the SATA. No need to install Windows.

 

[vaughntx]

Awesome! Thx for the quick response. Drive cloning looks like the way to go!

 

[huron]

I use Acronis True Image home 10 and it has been easy to use and effective. There are some free solutions out there if you are willing to do a little reading and use a linux partition.

Check out this page

http://lifehacker.com/software/top/partition-and-image-your-hard-drive-with-the-system-rescue-cd-292972.php

Good luck. You'll be fine. Imaging is really easy to do.

 

[vaughntx]

Any issues regarding going from a single core to a dual core cpu as it pertains to XP recognizing the 2nd core?

 

[g-paw]

Any issues regarding going from a single core to a dual core cpu as it pertains to XP recognizing the 2nd core?

Shouldn't have any issues

 

[shadowmaster625]

dont pay for cloning software though. go to your drive mfg site and look for software. WD and seagate both have good software for cloning. All you need is for the DESTINATION drive to be made by them.

 

[g-paw]

Regardless of what software you use, be sure to take out the old drive prior to booting the new one. If you going to use the old drive for back up, install it after the first boot, copy the data to the new drive, and format the old one

 

[KyleSTL]

I suggest low-level formatting to have the freshest start with your old drive. Boot and Nuke is a good one. Also HDD makers have their own available from their websites.