Transferring Windows XP and software to new PC

I want to upgrade my current old P4 to a new dual core MB (P35 perhaps) with
new SATA HD and 2Gb RAM.

I intend buying the box with only the MB and RAM installed as I have a spare
brand new SATA HD to install myself.

I then want to transfer the Windows XP licence over to the new PC or if this
isn't legal then install the old IDE HD with the current XP licence and all
currently installed software on the new PC as is.

My questions are these:

1. What is the best way to get my current XP licence, along with all current
installed software, from the old PC onto the new PC? I am sure people
upgrade their PCs regularly and don't want to have to re-install XP or worse
still have to re-install all the software again. This would of course mean
installing XP so that all current upgrades install as well. I do have
Acronis True Image installed so am thinking I could copy the image onto the
new PC - is this possible?

2. With a new PC, is it possible to simply move the old IDE HD (containing
the operating system and all software) to the new PC and it will simply boot
up OK and all installed software will operate OK as well.

My preference is to make use of the new SATA HD and have all software
transferred from the old IDE HD to the new SATA HD.

regards

Benny

"Benny" <no spam ple@se.com> wrote in message
news:z2Wwi.21217$4A1.19614@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>I want to upgrade my current old P4 to a new dual core MB (P35 perhaps)
>with
> new SATA HD and 2Gb RAM.
>
> I intend buying the box with only the MB and RAM installed as I have a
> spare
> brand new SATA HD to install myself.
>
> I then want to transfer the Windows XP licence over to the new PC or if
> this
> isn't legal then install the old IDE HD with the current XP licence and
> all
> currently installed software on the new PC as is.

Is your current version of XP OEM or retail? If its retail then you should
be able to move the license to a new PC. If its OEM then I think the
licensing ties it to the PC that it came from. What this means in practise
is however you transfer/move XP to the new pc you will end up having to
activate it again and since whether its OEM or Retail is contained in the
license key, Microsoft may give you grief if its OEM.

> My questions are these:
>
> 1. What is the best way to get my current XP licence, along with all
> current
> installed software, from the old PC onto the new PC? I am sure people
> upgrade their PCs regularly and don't want to have to re-install XP or
> worse
> still have to re-install all the software again. This would of course mean
> installing XP so that all current upgrades install as well. I do have
> Acronis True Image installed so am thinking I could copy the image onto
> the
> new PC - is this possible?
>
> 2. With a new PC, is it possible to simply move the old IDE HD (containing
> the operating system and all software) to the new PC and it will simply
> boot
> up OK and all installed software will operate OK as well.

Before you attempt to transfer it be sure that you have a complete backup
that you can recover to.

If it were me I'd do an ntbackup of everything. First thing I'd then try
would be to load xp on the new disk in the new pc and do a restore from the
backup. If that didn't work then (ensuring I had a full backup) I'd simply
try plugging the old disk into the new pc and try booting from that.

Other than activation issues, the only thing that might cause you grief is
if it needs a particular driver to access the disk system. Can't offer any
advice because its not a scenario I've tried - just be sure that you can
revert to your current working system - a reliable backup can't be over
emphesised.

You could also try asking in the newsgroup
news:microsoft.public.windowsxp.general.
--
Brian Cryer
www.cryer.co.uk/brian

On Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:55:27 GMT, "Benny" <no spam ple@se.com> wrote:

>
>2. With a new PC, is it possible to simply move the old IDE HD (containing
>the operating system and all software) to the new PC and it will simply boot
>up OK and all installed software will operate OK as well.

In most cases, by just moving the IDE to another new pc and boot it up
from there - it wouldn't works. You just get a blue screen.

You need to reformat and reinstall Windows.

--
WebWalker
email: webwalker@bluebottle.com

"WebWalker" <webwalker@bluebottle.com> wrote in message
news:7rt8c3l18i9b5129amd7ff68u6cf1tpgq3@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:55:27 GMT, "Benny" <no spam ple@se.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>2. With a new PC, is it possible to simply move the old IDE HD (containing
>>the operating system and all software) to the new PC and it will simply
>>boot
>>up OK and all installed software will operate OK as well.
>
> In most cases, by just moving the IDE to another new pc and boot it up
> from there - it wouldn't works. You just get a blue screen.
>
> You need to reformat and reinstall Windows.
>
> --
AND all your applications that need an install, as they create a lot of
entries in the registry a.s.o !

"WebWalker" <webwalker@bluebottle.com> wrote in message
news:7rt8c3l18i9b5129amd7ff68u6cf1tpgq3@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:55:27 GMT, "Benny" <no spam ple@se.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>2. With a new PC, is it possible to simply move the old IDE HD (containing
>>the operating system and all software) to the new PC and it will simply
>>boot
>>up OK and all installed software will operate OK as well.
>
> In most cases, by just moving the IDE to another new pc and boot it up
> from there - it wouldn't works. You just get a blue screen.
>
> You need to reformat and reinstall Windows.
>
> --
> WebWalker
> email: webwalker@bluebottle.com
When Windows Operating System is installed it loads drivers specific to the
motherboard and CPU chip installed. As has been said, that usually results
in windows not running after moving the hard drive over to a new
motherboard.

Sometimes booting the Windows Install CD and doing a "Repair" rather than
install can fix the problems but too many times the drivers in question are
just too different for the OS to be able to correct things. If you are
extremely lucky things will work but others have seen hidden problems turn
up later as specific programs are run.

As for OEM versions of Windows, such as the OS came from a Dell, HP, or
other PC vender, you usually are not able to transfer the license from one
brand of PC over to another. Only actual retail versions of Windows
(original CD's with no other brand name on them other than Microsoft's) are
guaranteed to work on a new PC.

If when activating the new machine Windows claims it has been activated too
many times just call the toll free number that the activation failure screen
shows you and you can normally get a new activation key from Microsoft.
Last time I did this, about a week ago at 3 in the morning, I got was a
computer generated question/response system that read off a new license key
to me over the phone once the system was finished playing 20 questions.
Adding more RAM and a replacing a defective DVD with a different brand
triggered the re-activation that time.

If at all possible it is usually best to backup all of your data to another
drive and install a fresh copy of the OS on the new system. Install the
application programs and then restore the data from your backup system.

Not needing to reload everything boils down to how close the new motherboard
chips match the existing one and if you are having a good day in the luck
department...

WHENEVER you change the motherboard that is used with a harddrive containing
XP, you MUST reformat the harddrive and do a fresh install of the OS.
Otherwise you can look forward to ongoing nasty Registry errors and data
errors.

--
---------------------
DaveW
"Benny" <no spam ple@se.com> wrote in message
news:z2Wwi.21217$4A1.19614@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>I want to upgrade my current old P4 to a new dual core MB (P35 perhaps)
>with
> new SATA HD and 2Gb RAM.
>
> I intend buying the box with only the MB and RAM installed as I have a
> spare
> brand new SATA HD to install myself.
>
> I then want to transfer the Windows XP licence over to the new PC or if
> this
> isn't legal then install the old IDE HD with the current XP licence and
> all
> currently installed software on the new PC as is.
>
> My questions are these:
>
> 1. What is the best way to get my current XP licence, along with all
> current
> installed software, from the old PC onto the new PC? I am sure people
> upgrade their PCs regularly and don't want to have to re-install XP or
> worse
> still have to re-install all the software again. This would of course mean
> installing XP so that all current upgrades install as well. I do have
> Acronis True Image installed so am thinking I could copy the image onto
> the
> new PC - is this possible?
>
> 2. With a new PC, is it possible to simply move the old IDE HD (containing
> the operating system and all software) to the new PC and it will simply
> boot
> up OK and all installed software will operate OK as well.
>
> My preference is to make use of the new SATA HD and have all software
> transferred from the old IDE HD to the new SATA HD.
>
> regards
>
> Benny
>
>
>

Thank-you all for your recommendations.
A fresh install of a new XP licence along with new install of all software
seems the only way.
regards
Benny



"Benny" <no spam ple@se.com> wrote in message
news:z2Wwi.21217$4A1.19614@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>I want to upgrade my current old P4 to a new dual core MB (P35 perhaps)
>with
> new SATA HD and 2Gb RAM.
>
> I intend buying the box with only the MB and RAM installed as I have a
> spare
> brand new SATA HD to install myself.
>
> I then want to transfer the Windows XP licence over to the new PC or if
> this
> isn't legal then install the old IDE HD with the current XP licence and
> all
> currently installed software on the new PC as is.
>
> My questions are these:
>
> 1. What is the best way to get my current XP licence, along with all
> current
> installed software, from the old PC onto the new PC? I am sure people
> upgrade their PCs regularly and don't want to have to re-install XP or
> worse
> still have to re-install all the software again. This would of course mean
> installing XP so that all current upgrades install as well. I do have
> Acronis True Image installed so am thinking I could copy the image onto
> the
> new PC - is this possible?
>
> 2. With a new PC, is it possible to simply move the old IDE HD (containing
> the operating system and all software) to the new PC and it will simply
> boot
> up OK and all installed software will operate OK as well.
>
> My preference is to make use of the new SATA HD and have all software
> transferred from the old IDE HD to the new SATA HD.
>
> regards
>
> Benny
>
>
>

On Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:23:55 GMT, "Benny" <no spam
ple@se.com> wrote:

>Thank-you all for your recommendations.
>A fresh install of a new XP licence along with new install of all software
>seems the only way.
>regards
>Benny


It is not the only way.

1) Yes you need a new license for this system if/when the
old license was OEM and sold bundled with the old system.
The new license has to be for the same version of windows,
if you are entering the license key at any time it should be
the license key # from the new certificate of authenticity.
If the new license is not compatible it may not accept that
key.

2) Obviously a fresh installation is the most comprehensive
solution, but it is not actually a solution at all when your
goal was to migrate the existing OS environment, not just
use the same OS version. There are ways to do move the OS
installation, migrate it to another system. Primarily the
problem is that for windows to finish booting it needs to be
able to continue accessing the drive controller on which the
drive booting is connected. At some point in the boot
process the drive controller driver is loaded and needs to
support the new drive controller. There is more info
available by doing a google search, links below.

WinXP will plug-n-play the hardware in the new system,
installing drivers it has *built in* for what it recognizes,
and then requiring you to install remaining drivers
yourself. The issue is that to plug-n-play the new
hardware, windows has to finish booting far enough to be
able to do it, to load enough of it's OS files to be at that
point in the detection and installation process.

Basically you make some adjustments to windows before moving
the drive to the new system. Adding drive controller
registry entries, a few files, and optionally uninstalling
old hardware drivers which are not applicable to the new
hardware. All of this while the OS is running on the old
system, and as others suggested it would be good to make a
backup first - perhaps even two backups to be thorough, one
backup before making any changes at all so the OS still runs
100% as it was on the old system, and one backup after
making all the configuration changes so if there were a case
that it wasn't 100% working on the new system, there is
still a chance to preserve the work you had done to change
it thus far and just do the remaining things needed to
finish modifying the OS installation so it is then ready for
the new system.

Considering that so many people have migrated 2K and XP
installations to other systems by now, it is a bit amazing
that nobody has mentioned it. Even a Google search fairly
specific like,
http://www.google.com/search?q=migra...22&btnG=Search
turns up quite a few relevant hits.

http://www.mostlycreativeworkshop.com/article11.html

http://www.ngohq.com/home.php?page=A...read&arc_id=36

It is not 100% guaranteed that these two links or the other
hits windows finds will work 100% of the time, but the
process is straightforward, works a large % of the time
without anything further necessary, and in the worst case
scenario you can alway do the repair or reinstallation if it
fails. Whether it is worthwhile to migrate an existing
installation or do a clean installation can have a lot to do
with how long it would take to recreate your present OS
state. Sometimes it is good to start clean again to get rid
of some bloat accumulated over time, but otherwise a
successfully migrated OS installation can work fine, it is
not subject to "nasty registry errors" as some keep trying
to imply.

Thanks Kony for the excellent reply.
I'll check out the Google search. I do have a large number of applications
installed including Photoshop which in itself has a large number of
add-ons/plug-ins etc. The thought of having to re-install Photoshop alone is
not something to look forward to let alone being able to find the plug-ins
to carry this out.

Also what is the best way to transfer data directly from the old PC to the
new PC's HD? I have heard about a double-USB device that will do it but are
there other ways other than burning all the data onto DVDs.

thanks again
Benny



"kony" <spam@spam.com> wrote in message
news:3mcbc3tl163glv6i1omam7d5jugfcaf5ko@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:23:55 GMT, "Benny" <no spam
> ple@se.com> wrote:
>
>>Thank-you all for your recommendations.
>>A fresh install of a new XP licence along with new install of all software
>>seems the only way.
>>regards
>>Benny
>
>
> It is not the only way.
>
> 1) Yes you need a new license for this system if/when the
> old license was OEM and sold bundled with the old system.
> The new license has to be for the same version of windows,
> if you are entering the license key at any time it should be
> the license key # from the new certificate of authenticity.
> If the new license is not compatible it may not accept that
> key.
>
> 2) Obviously a fresh installation is the most comprehensive
> solution, but it is not actually a solution at all when your
> goal was to migrate the existing OS environment, not just
> use the same OS version. There are ways to do move the OS
> installation, migrate it to another system. Primarily the
> problem is that for windows to finish booting it needs to be
> able to continue accessing the drive controller on which the
> drive booting is connected. At some point in the boot
> process the drive controller driver is loaded and needs to
> support the new drive controller. There is more info
> available by doing a google search, links below.
>
> WinXP will plug-n-play the hardware in the new system,
> installing drivers it has *built in* for what it recognizes,
> and then requiring you to install remaining drivers
> yourself. The issue is that to plug-n-play the new
> hardware, windows has to finish booting far enough to be
> able to do it, to load enough of it's OS files to be at that
> point in the detection and installation process.
>
> Basically you make some adjustments to windows before moving
> the drive to the new system. Adding drive controller
> registry entries, a few files, and optionally uninstalling
> old hardware drivers which are not applicable to the new
> hardware. All of this while the OS is running on the old
> system, and as others suggested it would be good to make a
> backup first - perhaps even two backups to be thorough, one
> backup before making any changes at all so the OS still runs
> 100% as it was on the old system, and one backup after
> making all the configuration changes so if there were a case
> that it wasn't 100% working on the new system, there is
> still a chance to preserve the work you had done to change
> it thus far and just do the remaining things needed to
> finish modifying the OS installation so it is then ready for
> the new system.
>
> Considering that so many people have migrated 2K and XP
> installations to other systems by now, it is a bit amazing
> that nobody has mentioned it. Even a Google search fairly
> specific like,
> http://www.google.com/search?q=migra...22&btnG=Search
> turns up quite a few relevant hits.
>
> http://www.mostlycreativeworkshop.com/article11.html
>
> http://www.ngohq.com/home.php?page=A...read&arc_id=36
>
> It is not 100% guaranteed that these two links or the other
> hits windows finds will work 100% of the time, but the
> process is straightforward, works a large % of the time
> without anything further necessary, and in the worst case
> scenario you can alway do the repair or reinstallation if it
> fails. Whether it is worthwhile to migrate an existing
> installation or do a clean installation can have a lot to do
> with how long it would take to recreate your present OS
> state. Sometimes it is good to start clean again to get rid
> of some bloat accumulated over time, but otherwise a
> successfully migrated OS installation can work fine, it is
> not subject to "nasty registry errors" as some keep trying
> to imply.

>>>My preference is to make use of the new SATA HD and have all software
transferred from the old IDE HD to the new SATA HD.>>>

Yes if you can use a copy of your current system so if it does not work
you can go back to where you were having lost nothing but time.

If possible the last thing you should do in the XP you are going to (try) &
transfer to the new machine
is go into Device Manager & delete just about everything you can so Windows
is
forced to reinstall its drivers for the new stuff..
This requires you start the copied XP disc up in the old machine at least
once.

In the new machine start it up for the 1st time in Safe Mode ...be prepared
to start and restart the new setup a number of times.
Google read up on XP repair install.
The comments here Re: 'Having' to format the Hard Disc for a new machine /
motherboard
are nonsense.
Mouse
@@@

On Sat, 18 Aug 2007 01:11:37 GMT, "Benny" <no spam
ple@se.com> wrote:

>Thanks Kony for the excellent reply.
>I'll check out the Google search. I do have a large number of applications
>installed including Photoshop which in itself has a large number of
>add-ons/plug-ins etc. The thought of having to re-install Photoshop alone is
>not something to look forward to let alone being able to find the plug-ins
>to carry this out.
>
>Also what is the best way to transfer data directly from the old PC to the
>new PC's HD? I have heard about a double-USB device that will do it but are
>there other ways other than burning all the data onto DVDs.
>
>thanks again
>Benny

I don't know what your home network is like, or if you even
have one. A network connection is the best option, IMO. If
you had a modem and router, just plug both systems into the
router's switch ports or a downstream switch and network
them, sharing the required folders. If you do not have any
network yet, either have a gigabit network adapter in either
system (need not be both systems), OR use an ethernet
crossover cable for 10/100Mb, booting both systems while
connected via the crossover cable, and having the
appropriate folders shared as mentioned above. It then
becomes a simple copy using network neighborhood, browsing
to what you want.

Benny wrote:
>
> Thanks Kony for the excellent reply.
> I'll check out the Google search. I do have a large number of
> applications installed including Photoshop which in itself has a
> large number of add-ons/plug-ins etc. The thought of having to
> re-install Photoshop alone is not something to look forward to
> let alone being able to find the plug-ins to carry this out.
>
> Also what is the best way to transfer data directly from the old
> PC to the new PC's HD? I have heard about a double-USB device
> that will do it but are there other ways other than burning all
> the data onto DVDs.

Please do not top-post. Your answer belongs after (or intermixed
with) the quoted material to which you reply, after snipping all
irrelevant material. See the following links:

--
<http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html>
<http://www.caliburn.nl/topposting.html>
<http://www.netmeister.org/news/learn2quote.html>
<http://cfaj.freeshell.org/google/> (taming google)
<http://members.fortunecity.com/nnqweb/> (newusers)



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Thanks Trimble - my preference is to top-post.
I want to be able to get straight to the reply without having to scroll all
the way through replies that I have already read.
Each to there own.


"Trimble Bracegirdle" <no-spam@never.spam> wrote in message
news:46c65080$1_3@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
>>>>My preference is to make use of the new SATA HD and have all software
> transferred from the old IDE HD to the new SATA HD.>>>
>
> Yes if you can use a copy of your current system so if it does not work
> you can go back to where you were having lost nothing but time.
>
> If possible the last thing you should do in the XP you are going to (try)
> & transfer to the new machine
> is go into Device Manager & delete just about everything you can so
> Windows is
> forced to reinstall its drivers for the new stuff..
> This requires you start the copied XP disc up in the old machine at least
> once.
>
> In the new machine start it up for the 1st time in Safe Mode ...be
> prepared to start and restart the new setup a number of times.
> Google read up on XP repair install.
> The comments here Re: 'Having' to format the Hard Disc for a new machine /
> motherboard
> are nonsense.
> Mouse
> @@@
>
>

>>>>"..Thanks Trimble - my preference is to top-post.
I want to be able to get straight to the reply without having to scroll all
the way through replies that I have already read...">>>

Wat u mean little me !!! ???? I don't think you can be seeing the same post
as I sent !
I only pasted in 2 lines from the original post before my many more words
of wisdom (?)

Oh well its a different complaint ...I most usually get moaned at for not
quoting enough or at all .
Any way if the quote being referred to is at the end of replying post then
the reader
don't know what its about until after they have read what is the logically
2nd part.
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(") Luv mouse

I've always assumed that Mr Bill Gates knows where people prefer to start a
reply to either an email or a newsgroup post by automatically placing the
blinking cursor at the top of the reply. Never thought to go against his
will and scroll all the way down to add a note. If all people removed most
of the original message like you do then that would be fine but usually they
don't. I've never missed a reply from others who post at the top (refer
other replies to my original topic). At least now I know why some people
post at the bottom - still won't change me (or others) though.


"Trimble Bracegirdle" <no-spam@never.spam> wrote in message
news:46c7a5b4_4@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com...
>>>>>"..Thanks Trimble - my preference is to top-post.
> I want to be able to get straight to the reply without having to scroll
> all
> the way through replies that I have already read...">>>
>
> Wat u mean little me !!! ???? I don't think you can be seeing the same
> post as I sent !
> I only pasted in 2 lines from the original post before my many more words
> of wisdom (?)
>
> Oh well its a different complaint ...I most usually get moaned at for not
> quoting enough or at all .
> Any way if the quote being referred to is at the end of replying post then
> the reader
> don't know what its about until after they have read what is the
> logically 2nd part.
> (\__/)
> (='.'=)
> (")_(") Luv mouse
>
>

Benny wrote:
>
> I've always assumed that Mr Bill Gates knows where people prefer
> to start a reply to either an email or a newsgroup post by
> automatically placing the blinking cursor at the top of the reply.
> Never thought to go against his will and scroll all the way down
> to add a note. If all people removed most of the original message
> like you do then that would be fine but usually they don't. I've
> never missed a reply from others who post at the top (refer other
> replies to my original topic). At least now I know why some people
> post at the bottom - still won't change me (or others) though.

Gates, and the Microsoft crew, have wilfully attempted to abort
standard Usenet practice, developed from before Microsoft was
born. Using proper practice will not harm you, and will ensure
your posts are acceptable everywhere. Read the URLs posted in my
sig below for more information.

Please do not top-post. Your answer belongs after (or intermixed
with) the quoted material to which you reply, after snipping all
irrelevant material. See the following links:

--
<http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html>
<http://www.caliburn.nl/topposting.html>
<http://www.netmeister.org/news/learn2quote.html>
<http://cfaj.freeshell.org/google/> (taming google)
<http://members.fortunecity.com/nnqweb/> (newusers)



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

On Sun, 19 Aug 2007 02:38:41 GMT, "Benny" <no spam
ple@se.com> wrote:

>I've always assumed that Mr Bill Gates knows where people prefer to start a
>reply to either an email or a newsgroup post by automatically placing the
>blinking cursor at the top of the reply.

Then you're be wrong.

Usenet was around before Bill & Co. tried to impose their
way on email, and usenet is not email.


>Never thought to go against his
>will and scroll all the way down to add a note.

If using a computer, are you claiming you only click your
mouse or type a keyboard key once every so often? It seems
more likely it's a constant activity. Hitting the "Page
Down" key on the keyboard is no more of a burden than using
any application where there is a minor user input required.

>If all people removed most
>of the original message like you do then that would be fine but usually they
>don't.

I agree, some posters should snip more of the preceeding
post than they do, but two wrongs don't make a right.

>I've never missed a reply from others who post at the top (refer
>other replies to my original topic).


You've never missed a reply from others who post at the
bottom either, unless you deliberately choose not to page
down to the added content.


>At least now I know why some people
>post at the bottom - still won't change me (or others) though.

Then don't expect many of the seasoned veteran usenet
participants to reply.

Generally, the conventions of the forum, not user
preference, are what applies. It doesn't matter what you or
I like to do, it is the established convention of the group
that would be followed.

Also note that in web forums, this is preconfigured in that
if you reply, it does come after the prior text you're
replying to. This is a deliberate action, because the
chronological order of the conversation is supposed to be
followed. This forum is not Bill Gate's version of what
email reply is best, it is an established most-workable
medium and even if you feel top-posting is better, what is
overall best it to maintain the same posting style so there
is not continual need to change default behaviors when
reading a post.

"Benny" <no spam ple@se.com> wrote in message
news:R2Oxi.22733$4A1.18814@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> I've always assumed that Mr Bill Gates knows where people prefer to start
> a reply to either an email or a newsgroup post by automatically placing
> the blinking cursor at the top of the reply. Never thought to go against
> his will and scroll all the way down to add a note. If all people removed
> most of the original message like you do then that would be fine but
> usually they don't. I've never missed a reply from others who post at the
> top (refer other replies to my original topic). At least now I know why
> some people post at the bottom - still won't change me (or others) though.
>

Top posting is for newbies to Usenet.

ss.

"DaveW" <nothing@bot.org> wrote in message
news:47ydnQIXFazMWFnbnZ2dnUVZ_q2hnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> WHENEVER you change the motherboard that is used with a harddrive
> containing XP, you MUST reformat the harddrive and do a fresh install of
> the OS. Otherwise you can look forward to ongoing nasty Registry errors
> and data errors.


This is not true. I have moved Windows OS installations to totally
different hardware, and to VirtualPC virtual machines many time, without any
problems, using Acronis TrueImage Workstation with Universal Restore. No
stability problems at all.

http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/pr...l-restore.html

There are cases when a repair installation or the use of Universal Restore
would not even be necessary, if the new motherboard has the same chipset and
there is no different HAL needed.

ss.

On Mon, 20 Aug 2007 06:16:22 +0100, "Synapse Syndrome"
<synapse@NOSPAMgomez404.elitemail.org> wrote:

>"DaveW" <nothing@bot.org> wrote in message
>news:47ydnQIXFazMWFnbnZ2dnUVZ_q2hnZ2d@comcast.com ...
>> WHENEVER you change the motherboard that is used with a harddrive
>> containing XP, you MUST reformat the harddrive and do a fresh install of
>> the OS. Otherwise you can look forward to ongoing nasty Registry errors
>> and data errors.
>
>
>This is not true. I have moved Windows OS installations to totally
>different hardware, and to VirtualPC virtual machines many time, without any
>problems, using Acronis TrueImage Workstation with Universal Restore. No
>stability problems at all.
>
>http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/pr...l-restore.html
>
>There are cases when a repair installation or the use of Universal Restore
>would not even be necessary, if the new motherboard has the same chipset and
>there is no different HAL needed.
>
>ss.
>


DaveW has been repeating this even after numerous people
have suggested otherwise, and even linked articles about it,
nevermind the countless people that have continually done so
successfully,

At this point, it has to be assumed DaveW is deliberately
issuing false information. The questio then is "why" would
someone do this? Is DaveW a mentall ill Microsoft shill?
It seems that way.