Specific Computer bulding question please

[jerryjg]

First, i cant program a VCR. That said, once i found out how amazingly simple and relatively cheap it is to build a PC, I undertook the project. Using virtually free (rebate) parts,and the only major expenditure being the memory and the CPU, I have a couple of questions. Can I take the 2nd harddrive from my current pC-the harddrive that backs up all my files- and install it into the new computer and have everything as it is now on my current PC ? Including the OS?

[GuitarStv]

It depends on how you use the second drive as a backup. However, I doubt it. (It would also be software piracy for you to do this, since you only own one licence for your software and want to use it on multiple computers.)

[blackflag]

You could use it as a data back up drive to store files - if you plug it into another hard drive header on the motherboard, or use it as a slave off the main hard drive cable. But it probably will not boot up the computer on its own unless you reinstall the OS on it...But it might. You can try it and see - it won't hurt anything if it doesn't.

And in response to Guitar Steve's point...I think the licenses are "per computer," so it wouldn't be piracy to have it on two drives in the same computer. Plus, you're allowed to make multiple copies/installations of your software if it's for repair purposes, which would probably be the case if he's using it as a "backup" to get his computer going. (not being a smartass, just pointing out.)

[H8Red442]

The short answer: yeah. But you will not be able to boot from that drive. You can plug it in, make it the master and it will function, but the OS will have a heart attack when it tries to boot off the new hardware. Due to newer hardware drivers and such Windows XP (I am assuming here) will not know what the hell it's looking at.

The one option you could try from there is running a repair of Windows with the original installation CD. Put it in the drive boot from it act as though you are going to do a fresh install and the installation program should see that there is another Windows install on that drive and you should have the option to repair it from there. DO NOT run the repair option from the main menu off the boot up screen from the CD and do not try proceed with the installation if it does not tell you it found another Windows installation would you like to repair it.

If you can't run the repair as above, you SOL. If you install anway you will wipe out all user data for the Windows installation that exists already and any installed programs. That is to say if you're trying to preserve those programs and files.

But agian the drive is totally usable but it's not as easy as just dropping it in the machine and hitting the ground running.