installed xp on old computer, moved hard drive to new computer, now won't work

[ben collins]

i have and old computer with an amd-k6 400mhz, and a new
computer with a 2.4 intel pentium 4. i upgraded 98SE to XP
on my old computer, because the new one couldn't recognize
the new dvd-rw, and i couldn't install the drivers. so
anyway, i took the hard drive out of the old one, and but
it in my new computer, and now i keep getting stuck in
this loop. now keep in mind, xp works perfectly on the old
computer, but i keep getting this error.
We apologize for the inconvience, but windows did not
start properly because hardware or software changed...blah
blah. then it gives me 5 choices. start in
1)safe mode
2)safe mode with networking
3)safe mode with command prompt
4)last known working configuration
5)start windows normally

i've tried every single one, countless times, and it just
brings me back to that same screen. but if i put the hard
drive back in the old comp, it works fine. and it says
hardwared changed, well no kidding, but 98SE doesn't do
that when you switch the hard drive between computers,
just xp. so if anyone can PLEASE help me. formating and
starting over is the LAST option, as always. thank you in
advance.

ben collins

 

[traxless]

That old HD with XP is configured and registered for that machine. To
move the HD to a new machine which will require all new drivers, ...
well no suprise it does not work.

I suppose if you are intent on using this old HD in the new machine,
then my first attempt would be a re-install of XP in the new machine.
This process would at least identify all the new hardware and related
drivers and software necessary to run properly. However, if this
failed, you could have just corrupted the HD and then you back to to a
re-format and re-install project.

Btw, I'm not sure this entire strategy will even fix the presenting
problem with the DVD. Before you do all this switching of HD to fix
a DVD issue, I continue to study the DVD problem. Call the technical
support for the new machine or search for new XP updated DVD drivers,
make sure the DVD is physically installed properly, or post more
specifics on the DVD in this forum.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Normally, assuming a retail license, unless the new motherboard is
virtually identical to the old one (same chipset, same IDE
controllers, same BIOS version, etc.), you'll need to perform a repair
(a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation, at the very least:

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341

As always when undertaking such a significant change, back up any
important data before starting.

This will probably also require re-activation. If it's been more
than 120 days since you last activated that specific Product Key,
you'll most likely be able to activate via the internet without
problem. If it's been less, you might have to make a 5 minute phone
call.


Bruce Chambers

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