Move hard drive to a new computer

[Guest]

I'm planning to build a new computer and move my old hard drive with Windows
XP and all of my files intact to the new computer. As the hardware will
have changed, how do I re-activate Windows?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I'm planning to build a new computer and move my old hard drive
with Windows XP and all of my files intact to the new computer.
As the hardware will have changed, how do I re-activate Windows?

Depending on the type of license you have, this may or may not be allowed by
the EULA.
Otherwise - you will have to perform - at the very least - a repair
installation when you put it in the new machine.
Be safe - backup your stuff before you move it at all.
And to be truthful - all new hardware - you would be better off with a clean
install.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341