OS transfer?

Greavesy · 23 Jan 2011 at 16:15

I'm building a pc for my brother, hes got an old pc with XP on the hdd and hes not a big fan of win 7, is it possible to just put the hard drive into the new build with xp on it or do i have to go down some other route?

Serraph · 23 Jan 2011 at 16:20

You would most likely have to re-install Windows on a new build. Did his old system come with the XP installation disc?

The only time I have not had to re-install was when changing out the motherboard for a similar make, usually one by the same manufacturer. If you get a same make mobo you might be ok, but if it is a whole new system then I wouldnt hold my breath.

I may be wrong though however, if someone knows of a way, but in my understanding you usually cant.

Greavesy · 23 Jan 2011 at 16:25

=/ its a really old dell pc, was just hoping to save some money. Il try and look for a disc but i dont remember it comign with one.

pcAnywhere · 23 Jan 2011 at 16:27

If the old PC was from Dell then it would most likely be an OEM version and therefore tied to that PC. You'd need a retail version to use the OS on a new PC

shadow_boxer · 23 Jan 2011 at 16:29

Chances are you'll need to do a full reinstallation of XP. If it was a prebuilt Dell then more than likely it would only have a recovery disc or recovery partition on the hard drive.

The only way around it would be to try and get hold of Windows XP disc, maybe download it from somewhere, then use the key that came with it. Legally you should have to buy a new operating system but technically it can be done. You may need to call MS to get the licence activated, however.

PhillyDee · 23 Jan 2011 at 16:36

Hate to say this, but tell him wo like W7. Its far superior and once you get used to the changed UI, its actually painful going back to XP!

Orcvader · 23 Jan 2011 at 17:32

That license of XP is also tied down to the Dell PC, so you can't reuse it.

Best to get Win 7, it's great and easy to use anyway.

J.B · 23 Jan 2011 at 19:20

Greavesy said:
hes not a big fan of win 7

DOES NOT COMPUTE!

In seriousness though not only is it technically not a great thing to do, it may not work anyway.

Also it is most likely illegal if the XP install is on a Dell PC it will be an OEM license and cannot be transferred.

In summary, get Windows 7