Computer Question for Bill

[tmunsch]

I have done just about everything imaginable to computers except the following. I need some input from the computer gurus.

I want to switch hard drives from computer to computer, they both use the same type of memory, and the same operating system. I can tweak the video cards and sound cards etc. Question is has anyone done this and were there any snags? it seems doable.

Tom

[MT Stringer]

there are a lot of drivers for hardware as well as proprietary stuff on the motherboard that could cause problems. From past experience I would say it's gonna be a hassle. Some things will work, others won't, or the system my hang.

Do you have everything you need for the computer you are putting the hard drive into? That would be the operating system and the CD with the drivers for the motherboard, sound, and other drivers necessary for a smooth installation.

It's always been easier for me to do a clean install on a formatted hard drive. Less clutter left behind after the upgrade.
Good luck.
Mike

[tmunsch]

Yep Mike I have all the software required. The one I want to switch to has a faster processor. The bios shouldn't be a problem, and if I swap all the components into the new one it should work right?? I should know better than to try this as nothing works right in computers when you start messing with them. A clean install will be best for mine as it has a couple of viruses I can't shake, but I just had a new hard drive installed in the other and don't want to reformat if I can help it.

Tom

[WT427]

Do both computers have multiple hd's? If so remember to switch the jumper from master to slave if need be. Then put the arrow on the ide cable to pin1 and plug in. Shouldnt be a big deal since you have the software drivers.

[Trouthunter]

If you're running Win2K and the motherboards are different you're going to run into the BSOD or the blue screen of death. Win2k isn't plug & play.

You could install the hard drive as a slave to the one that is already in it and copy files over to the master.

Formatting and a fresh installation of the OS is the way to go.

TH

[Cat O' Lies]

Use Ghost. Connect the new drive as a slave (Drive1) on the old machine and ghost your old drive to the new one. Worst that can happen is the OS will use generic drivers until you install the correct ones.

[bill]

I was tied down with some computers here. Anyway, there should be no problem switching out, the only thing that comes to mind is if you have WinXP OS. It might not load as too many changes were made but the good news is if you do according to the EULA, you can install the OS in a new computer as long as you remove the OS from the other computer.
I would address the "has a couple of viruses I can't shake" issue first. Please list them out and lets see if we can not get them removed first. Do not "Ghost" if you have a known virus as you will keep it.
Go to housecall and do an on-line scan.
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
After the scan if it gives you results that any problems detected cannot be removed, this is what I need for you to post.

BTW, DO NOT FLASH THE BIOS. It could destroy the computer and there is nothing that can make it work.

[bill]

Just wanted to know if everything is OK?

[Topcat]

What you are trying to do will work. The problem is that it often doesn't quite get the old drivers cleaned out, and you will have intermittant or really wierd problems with the pc until you decide to format and do the install from scratch. Why waste the time and effort? Just bite the bullet and clean install it. No virus, no spyware, and be sure you have all the needed patches downloaded and burned to a CD BEFORE you start this. Don't connect a fresh install to the internet without updates unless you are behind some kind of firewall/router, or it will be infected before you can get to the Windows Update website.

Good luck on the install! I have wasted many an hour trying to get other folks mess to work.

[tmunsch]

Haven't had time yet to do the swap. I am thinking about just doing a reformat, and a clean install.

Bill I will go to that site and scan and post results in afew minutes. Thanks for the link. Back in a while.

Thanks,