Can I build a new system with my existing hard drive?

[builder]

Is it possible to build a new system around my existing hard drive? Is it as simple as not formating the drive and reinstalling the OS so as to recognize the new components? Thanks for any help.

[mjc]

Nope, not quite...with the modern OS you almost need to reinstall when you swap the motherboard...too many dirvers andtie to specific motherboard items.....you can try deleting all the current devices and letting Windows reinstall everything after you make the switch, but stability will not be guaranteed (yeah, like it is anyway, with an MS OS)

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[integral]

I have done 3 motherboard installs on the same system in the last month. I really did not want to go through the OS install again so, with the thought that worst I would have to do is format and reinstall the OS. I simply gave Win98 its head and let it start detecting the new mobo. I was a bit worried when it appeared to want the Win98 CD but could not recognize the existance of the CD player. I simply choose to ignore continue, soon it asked for a restart. After about 3 times through recognizing devices and restarting I was up and running. I went from a ECS K7S5a to a ASUS K7M2666 to a Shuttle AK31 without reinstalling the OS, seems to be working fine.

I am well aware that this is not the ideal way to go but Win98 seems to handle amazaingly well.

[sea69]

I have several "Ready" HDD's lying around here already loaded with win98se and win95b.. and have used them in different machines more than one time.... usually I find that there is little problem transplanting them.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif



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