Something strange about XP install

Saeed

Hi,

Normally when XP is installed on a computer, if you take the HDD out and put it in another computer, it will not work, saying NDTL file is missing or something like that, unless the two PC's are identical etc...

However, I installed XP on a P3 with Asus MB a while back and then left the HDD for a while. I then came to try to use it in a Athlon PC with MSI mobo and it works fine and XP loads up and reconfigures itself to the new PC. I thought it was a fluke so took it out and put it in my P4 with a MSI mobo and it works after reconfiguring itself.

This has NEVER happened before. Usually the XP will not work in another different machine. This is the first time it has happened and I'm not sure why. I really should have cloned this XP install but didn't as it would have been very useful.

Anyone got any ideas in what is going on here?

totalsolutions

Why worry then. Its just sorts itself out better. It SHOULD work but complain a bit in my experience.

mongoose2009

it really depends on the chipsets involved
i have done about 20 installs that ive triend on differnet pcs and if the chipset is from them same manufacture normally its ok and just installs
but if the chipset is too different it just BSOD

dave2

Not unusual, XP simply changed the drivers. As long as enough is compatible to get to that point it should work out.

But, usually not very well. Common to end up with a flaky system because wrong drivers are still kicking around in there, do a reformat & reinstall and install the drivers properly for best stability and performance. Even if you think that's not so likely, would you rather do this now when it's planned or potentially have it forced on you some random time in the future?

NDTL file issue on boot is more likely to be an issue with the HDD not being configured in the BIOS, not Windows.

KillerWatt

Removing the disk controller drivers in safe mode before you transfer the HDD to another machine is all that is required to prevent NTLDR from getting upset.

Saeed

KillerWatt wrote: »

Removing the disk controller drivers in safe mode before you transfer the HDD to another machine is all that is required to prevent NTLDR from getting upset.

how do you do this, what files need removing? i'm a bit unclear of what you are saying.

KillerWatt

Saeed wrote: »

how do you do this, what files need removing? i'm a bit unclear of what you are saying.

Start XP in safe mode, go in to Device Manager, uninstall the disk controllers, and shut XP down at that point.

It can still be a bit "hit & miss", but the chances of XP working in a different machine afterwards are a lot higher.