You probably have to reinstall win XP

i´ve read a post in another forum about exactly same idea that didnt work

do not ask me why it dosent work but it was something in XP that cant be overwritten by a new BIOS.

But it can be worth a try.... i dont belive all i read in forums  

VanBuren

uh.. from what iv heard once you put in the harddrive int he new computer, it will just poppup with all these " OMG!! NEW HARDWARE" balloons .. But im not sure. Try it and enlighten us all =)

Remember that Windows has that danged Product Activation Code.  When you change System Hardware, especially the whole danged computer, it is going to "buck you" about it.

However, there is a neat trick that is worth trying that has worked for me twice now.

In your C:\Windows\System32 directory there is a file named wpa.dll.  After you get the the old HDD stuck into your new box (computer), the Product Activation "nag"  will start hollaring.  So, just copy the wpa.dll file BEFORE you move it into the new computer, and then replace the wpa.dll file with your old one once installed (even though it is the very same file!) ...it just may succeed in "tricking" the WPA and you'll save yourself a small hassle.  (However, in these days Online WPA Activation (NO telephone) takes less than one minute ...the days of having to call are long over for the greater majority).  This is assuming you are using XP Pro or Home.  I can't speak for the other O/S's ...sorry.

These statements come with no warranty either expressed or implied.  

The Reverend

I'm still going to have your xxx (saved you the trouble Van) if it doesn't work.

I've upgraded video cards before with no issues. You just uninstall the old drivers, take out the old card, put the new one in, install the new drivers, and you're done. There's no reason you should have to reinstall anything but your drivers if you install a new video card.

I really hope the drive swap works. It won't be for about another month. I was just wondering ahead of time.

How would it be half-assing it? Once you get the new drivers installed, wouldn't it be pretty much the same? I know nothing beats a reformat, but just as far as having all the files and a working OS, what would be the difference?

I won't have to buy a new hard drive for the new one unless I get one with higher RPM or if I decide to go RAID. I have a 200GB hard drive in my current PC, so I see no reason in buying a bigger one. Like I said, unless I go RAID, i'll let you guys know how it works out.