1st build: current files into new system?

[sdcman1]

MoBo:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4117138&csid=ITD&body=MAIN#detailspecs

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115206

That's what I have so far. Any recommendations for a h. drive and PSU?

Anyways, I want a new system - nothing fancy, just enough to get me by. I was wondering if I could back up my entire current system and install it on my new one (OS, program files, etc). If so, how? Do I need to backup my h.drive, if so, how? How do I install everything back into a new PC (one that doesn't have an OS yet).

I could just by a new PC for around $600, but I can build one for much cheaper (if i did my calculations correct). I plan on using my current input/output devices.

Any experienced builders with knowledge greatly appreciated.

 

[groo]

you should reinstall the OS because the new motherboard requires all new drivers. The easiest way of backing all the important data is by getting a new HDD, then install the OS on the new drive, then transfere over what you want , and make the old drive a data drive. The new computer will see your old C: drive as the D: drive (or some other letter).

Windows may even ask to transfere over the old files, but I like to do a fresh install of everything every so often anyways, so I never done it.

what was your old computer?

I see you are going with a uATX, so I asume you want a small footprint on the desktop or you are reusing the old case and PSU. there is a good chance youre old PSU is very low quality and not very efficient. possibly, if its a Dell, is propriatary and cant be reused. maybe thats whay you asked about a PSU

if you looking for a small uATX case w/PSU, get an Antec. thier earthwatts PSUs pretty good, and I'm pretty sure they put the guts of them in thier small goofy PSU cases. like:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129039
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129038

You can look at Antec Eathwatts, PC P&C, and seasonic all make high quality, low power PSUs ATX PSUs. I picked up another Antec EA430 for $40 shipped from newegg recently. 300 watts is more than enough for on-board-video. The PC P&Cs are 1/2" longer than the others I think.

 

[sdcman1]

Yes, I will be using my current case.

I forgot to mention this - any recommendations for CD/DVD drive as well, or can I use my current ones.

I can do a new OS install. After that, how can I backup my program files (stuff I installed on my computer) on to my new PC.

I also have a question about using 2 HDD. I've read I can use one for my OS (boot drive) and another one for storage. How do I set that up?

 

[Outlander_04]

You dont need to do a clean install .

Way too tedious .

Head over to www.acronis.com and download the 15 day free trial of easy migrate .

Connect the new hard drive to the old computer and use the program to transfer everything . Its easy .

When you build the new computer it may boot and if it does then run the mb driver disc and then head to device manager where you may have to manually remove old mb drivers .

if it doesnt boot [ and presuming you have XP ] then change BIOS to boot from cd/dvd and do a repair install .
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

After that you will need to follow these instructions to updates
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

then mb driver disc , and install ms service packs .


About 2-3 hours of drinking coffeee and all your system including programs and data all on new computer