new computer/old hardrive?

[magoo]

I have just bought one of thos "barebone" computers from e-bay and was wondering if it really is as simple as they say...
I guess what i really need to ask is can i just unplug my old hardrive from my current computer and plug it in to the new one?
should i make a backup of my hard drive before doing this or will i loose everything no matter what?
Any help in this matter will be appreciated...I'm a newbie just trying to learn as much as i can.

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[Jaturp]

This could be considered almost like changing the mobo. Most mobos have their own drivers and usually you have to reinstall windows. All you can do is try it and see if you have any errors. If you have a way to back up your programs do it. Make sure you have all of your hardware drivers. A format may be in order. I don`t think you will loose any info but you won`t boot. I have never swapped mobos without formatting the drive.JT.

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[tweakthis]

http://www.helpfromtechs.com/ubb/smilies/hi.gif Welcome to the board, mcgoo. Stop by here (http://www.helpfromtechs.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000077.html) and meet some of the other members when you have a chance or need a break from the up-grade.

It may not be as easy as it you are hoping. I have found drivers to be the issue when transferring hard drives. Your mb probably has on-board video, sound and fax so you will have to upgrade/change the drivers for those as well. It's far easier if you are transferring all of those components as well.

Make sure you have your OS (operating system) CD handy because you may get error messages for those missing and new components. If you do have on-board components, you will likely have to delete the settings for old ones and install the new ones.

I recommend you back up documents/important data to X-Drive (http://www.xdrive.com) (a virtual storage drive) which offers up to 100 megs of storage if you don't have a back-up media.

Post back if you have problems and we'll help all we can. Also, before you take the system apart, get as much info as you can on components in case you get stuck. Brand of machine, model of sound card, etc. The more details you can offer, the better the advice you will get.

Have fun and good luck. http://www.helpfromtechs.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

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[magoo]

Thanks alot guys... Unfortunately i no longer have my start up disk for windows 95 so i'll probably have to go buy a copy before i do anything.
I have a cdrw, can i back up my hole system on that and then copy it over after the move?
thanks again!!

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[Jaturp]

Bootdisk http://www.etplanet.net/windows/bootdisk/
If you have more than 650megs on your hdd you will need a program to span cdrs.
http://www.ntibackupnow.com/index_flash.cfm 10 day free trial under download button.JT.


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