How do I move Windows XP Home to a new hard dive?
Wherwolf asked:
I installed a legal copy of Windows XP Home on my dad’s computer (a 4 gig hard drive) and that drive is faltering, I want to put a new drive in my dad’s machine and get rid of the old one. Will I be able to re-install windows on the new drive from the disk, is there something I have to do before I strike the old drive?
I installed a legal copy of Windows XP Home on my dad’s computer (a 4 gig hard drive) and that drive is faltering, I want to put a new drive in my dad’s machine and get rid of the old one. Will I be able to re-install windows on the new drive from the disk, is there something I have to do before I strike the old drive?
You can use your already existing copy of OS just pop the CD into the computer once your installed the new HDD. Just backup your data and erase the old HDD so then no one can stumble upon your data.
Carefully read the XP disk label. If it says “OEM” anywhere, you can’t install it on newer hardware. Microsoft keeps a record of the original PC components, and you won’t be able to activate XP after replacing the hard drive.
If it says Retail Upgrade or it’s a full version, not an upgrade, you can.