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Transfer a Dell C521 hard drive to a custom built system possible?

Forum Storage : Hard Disks - Transfer a Dell C521 hard drive to a custom built system possible?

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45mapper   03-19-2009 at 11:35:30 PM

I want to build a new PC, can I use/transfer the old hard drive with XP installed from DELL pc to a new pc without reinstalling everything? I have both DELL specific XP disc and a standard XP disc. Thanks for the help in advanced.

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aford10   03-19-2009 at 11:53:50 PM
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Not if you change the mobo. Dell tailors their drivers and OS discs to their hardware. If you change the mobo, it wont recognize the HD until you format and reinstall windows with a retail copy (the Dell xp disc is a restore disc, not a full OS).

------------------------------ CM HAF 932 - 300GB Velociraptor
GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-DS3R
E8500 - Sapphire 1Gb 4850
4G DDR3 OCZ Reaper 1333
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45mapper   03-20-2009 at 12:32:24 AM
- 0 +

Ok, how about repairing the previous Dell XP installation with a retail version (booting with retail xp cd and not with the dell xp cd) on the new system, would that remove the mobo lock?

I want to avoid reinstalling windows XP if possible, so many programs, service packs etc etc to be reinstalled if I do go the the format and clean install route.

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aford10   03-20-2009 at 12:53:46 AM
- 0 +

It's sometimes possible to repair the current installation. However, I would recommend backing up your important data and doing a fresh format. It helps clean out old drivers, clean up the disc space, and clean out any cobwebs that are in there.

Message quoted 1 times
------------------------------ CM HAF 932 - 300GB Velociraptor
GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-DS3R
E8500 - Sapphire 1Gb 4850
4G DDR3 OCZ Reaper 1333
 Reply to aford10
doormatderek   03-20-2009 at 01:04:22 AM
- 0 +

aford10 wrote :

It's sometimes possible to repair the current installation. However, I would recommend backing up your important data and doing a fresh format. It helps clean out old drivers, clean up the disc space, and clean out any cobwebs that are in there.



Yes yes. Always better to reinstall, otherwise you're setting yourself up for lockups and the dreaded BSOD. Just backup your important files and prepare to reinstall all other programs/drivers.

Reply to doormatderek
45mapper   03-20-2009 at 01:07:53 AM
- 0 +

Thanks for the help, question answered.

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