Retrieving data from old HDD windows install in new rig?

[aftershxck]

I have a harddrive with windows XP Pro installed which I'd like to transplant into another PC. Now I assume that it won't boot, especially if the mobo/gfx etc is completely different, so is there any way to backup the old files or just leave them in place before I do a fresh windows installation? (my windows user login on the HDD is password protected...)..

BTW, current PC is dead, that's why I need to do it in another PC....

 

[aftershxck]

OK thanks for the advice..