Transferring Windows XP to new computer

PhilL_3

Hi there,

I am looking to purchase a new computer and was wondering if there's any way of transferring Windows XP from my old computer to my new computer so I don't have to shell out for it twice? I was hoping to use my old hard drive as a second hard drive or external hard disk for my new system but I'm unsure if putting the old hard drive in my new system will require reactivation from Microsoft due to the amount of system changes that it would detect. And if it did then would they agree to reactivate it? I've read that they will allow you to reactivate once if your system changes drastically?

Ideally I would like to transfer the Operating System and all the files from the old hard disk to the new one but is this possible?

Any advice would be most appreciated

theCapt

It is possible to tranfer the entire contents of yoyr hard drive over to a new one using Norton Ghost, but this will transfer the entire contents and that includes Windows.

If you were to to do this and transfer the Hard Drive over into a different system it is very likely you will have to reactivate Windows. This is the real pain as it is hit and miss wether microsoft will allow it to be a genuine version or not as even brand new systems are having trouble.

If your system came with Windows XP preloaded or if you own a OEM version chances are you are in trouble. If however you own a retail version of Win XP ou should have no probelm. Corprate editions are again hit and miss.

kai666

do you have the xp disk? If not then their will be no way of doing it/


if you do have the disk, but have xp service pack 2, them it matches the software code to the motherboard so there is no way of transferring it, as the 2 will not match up when registering

(I have been told, so don't know if this is actually true)

sure some more techie person will correct me if i'm wrong

moneyuser

If it's a new PC you're getting does it not already come with XP installed?

Technically, if it's an OEM XP you can't transfer it to a new PC as this would be against the license terms, but if you're just upgrading the mobo due to a failure for example or had a system crash and it won't activate then you may be ok.

You could also try an imaging program, like Norton Ghost, which I have used many times before without problems.

PhilL_3

Thanks for the replies.

It's an OEM version I think, but I'll have to check when I get home. I was looking at new computers supplied without an OS to bring the cost down a bit. My old computer has died but the hard disk is fine, I was hoping I could clone the hard drive or clone the partition perhaps?

Would I be ok if I told them I had to upgrade the motherboard or does the operating system monitor changes to your RAM, processor and GFX card as well?

I suppose it's worth a go, worst case scenario I have to purchase another copy I suppose. The original XP is about 4 years old; home version.

I'm looking to get a new Core 2 Duo computer so would the older XP version hamper the performance of the new chip in any way?

wolfman

When switching out your hardware, especially the motherboard, it's usually a good idea to do a fresh install. Windows isn't at its happiest in such circumstances.

With regards to Activating it, then yes you have to do so again (or should do due to the change in hardware), although this shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure they'll allow you to do this more than once, in fact they'd have to (if you had to replace broken hardware, or reinstalled).

Your best bet is to use the XP install disc (if you have one) and make a fresh install. Maybe think about using something such as nLite to integrate the latest services packs/settings etc... into your install disc.

PhilL_3

Excellent thanks, so if i use the CD to install Windows XP on the new computer and then tell Microsoft I've had to reinstall after replacing a few components then I should be fine? :j

theCapt

should be able to get away doing that, but don't be surprised if it backfires on you.

PhilL_3

Thanks, I think i'll try that; worse case scenario i'll have to get a new copy I suppose

wolfman

PhilL wrote:

Excellent thanks, so if i use the CD to install Windows XP on the new computer and then tell Microsoft I've had to reinstall after replacing a few components then I should be fine? :j

It's difficult to say it's a 100% fullproof way of doing things, as OEM cd's can differ quite a bit from retail cd's.

It's worth a try though. I've always read mixed rates of success when using OEM discs. Some people get by with out any problems, others just can't get it to install.

moneyuser

Just tell them as little as possible, and that you've had to reinstall windows but it won't activate, it might activate anyway. I would be very suprised if MS didn't activate it for you over the phone so it's unlikely that you'll have to buy another copy. They give me a new key last time I upgraded my PC, with very few questions asked, although the normal activation department couldn't help and I had to speak to a specialist department.