Repair install question.

[RobW]

Hi all,
I have a Desktop machine running Windows XP Home which has failed and
is being replaced by a new notebook computer which will have XP Home
also.
Is it a viable proposition to image the OS from the dead Desktop to
the new laptop and then run a Repair install? Or is it better to just
start from scratch? (The HDD is fine in the Desktop. The Motherboard
is what died.)

TIA
Rob

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

I don't quite understand what you are trying to do.
If your new notebook comes with Windows XP
preinstalled, why would you what to use Windows XP
from your old computer? This seems redundant...

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

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:

| Hi all,
| I have a Desktop machine running Windows XP Home which has failed and
| is being replaced by a new notebook computer which will have XP Home
| also.
| Is it a viable proposition to image the OS from the dead Desktop to
| the new laptop and then run a Repair install? Or is it better to just
| start from scratch? (The HDD is fine in the Desktop. The Motherboard
| is what died.)
|
| TIA
| Rob

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I have a Desktop machine running Windows XP Home which has
failed and
is being replaced by a new notebook computer which will have XP
Home
also.
Is it a viable proposition to image the OS from the dead
Desktop to
the new laptop and then run a Repair install? Or is it better
to just
start from scratch? (The HDD is fine in the Desktop. The
Motherboard
is what died.)

Laptops almost always have special drivers for their proprietary
devices. You'll also have to locate and install these.

 

[peterk]

If you are trying to "transfer" the settings that you are so familiar with
try the "Files&Settings Transfer Wizard"
If you are aiming to "transfer" programs....A fresh install is best and your
Data files can be copied over...see above.
By cloning/Ghosting your Desktop HD onto a laptop HD you will also be
copying the Mobo /video/audio/etc drivers and wiping out the drivers that
came with your laptop and make those things work on the laptop..
Changing a motherboard is not that hard...it does require some research if
you are aiming to use the same RAM/Video card/etc etc but it is possible to
bring that old beast back to live.Do a Google for Computer Build and you
will see a multitude of websites that show the details.You have paid for 2
XP's and that way you will still be able to use both old and new computers.
peterk

 

[RobW]

I don't quite understand what you are trying to do.
If your new notebook comes with Windows XP
preinstalled, why would you what to use Windows XP
from your old computer? This seems redundant...

The reasons;

a) The media for one of the applications that were running on the
Desktop machine has been lost.

b) Possibly save time.

However, common sense was telling me that a repair install was not the
go. I just thought Id ask if it would work.

I have decided to be safe and just re-purchase the missing software.

Thnx
R

 

[RobW]

If you are trying to "transfer" the settings that you are so familiar with
try the "Files&Settings Transfer Wizard"
If you are aiming to "transfer" programs....A fresh install is best and your
Data files can be copied over...see above.
By cloning/Ghosting your Desktop HD onto a laptop HD you will also be
copying the Mobo /video/audio/etc drivers and wiping out the drivers that
came with your laptop and make those things work on the laptop..
Changing a motherboard is not that hard...it does require some research if
you are aiming to use the same RAM/Video card/etc etc but it is possible to
bring that old beast back to live.Do a Google for Computer Build and you
will see a multitude of websites that show the details.You have paid for 2
XP's and that way you will still be able to use both old and new computers.
peterk

1. I was unaware you could use the "Files&Settings Transfer Wizard" to
copy data from a machine that is not bootable. How do you do this?

2. I was under the impression that a repair install re-identifies the
hardware again & the new laptop would have the drivers supplied with
it.

3. The old beast might get brought back to life one day, however the
priority at this point is to get up and running with the notebook
asap.