Resolved Migrate XP HOME SP3 to new computer

Greetings to all,

Relatively new to the XP forum - spend most time on Browser forum.

I may have to get a new machine and do not want to give up Windows XP home. Not overly impressed with M$ latest.

I need to know if I can migrate ALL of my present xp settings and files (including installed programs) to a NEW installation of XP Home SP 3. (would rather not have to re-install the existing programs)

Appreciate any information - The gentleman that did my Hardware work retired and I have not found a new guy yet.

thanks in advance;

regards:captjld

 

Hi captjlddavis, If you replace your computer with a new one, the motherboard and all the hardware will be different to your old Hard drive with XP OS.

The chances are that a new computer will have W7 or W8 installed as the OS, unless you purchase a second hand one with XP as the OS.

The problem will be, as you must realize, is that the Drivers in your Hard Drive will not be compatible with the new computer.
Having said that, there is a way to enable your old HD to work in a new Operating System.

I have recently had to rebuild my comp when the motherboard and PSU fried a major connection. My old HD had Vista on it but the drivers were for the old m/b. I did a bit of "Googling" and found a large number of people with similar problem. You can download a free software called Hiren's Boot CD.
You need to burn to a CD and this can be used to enable your old HD to "boot" to the new motherboard and then you can run the new comp Drivers from the Manufacturers Driver CD/DVD which should be provided/available with the comp or from the board maker's web site.

I've done this and Re-Activated the OS as is required. This would not have been necessary if I had "cloned" the old HD, but when the board gets fried---you have to seek alternatives.

If you don't have the ability to carry out anything like this, you may have seek Technical assistance from someone who can.
There are other considerations as well. Your old HD may be PATA and the new comp will probably be SATA. It will be best to seek help/guidance from some experienced computer guru as to your best course of action. Neil.

 

Thanks Neil,

I guess that I will have to wait and see..... I really don't want to move UP to the latest M$ effort......

regards:captjldd

 

Yes, I agree. I started with a 2nd hand comp with W95 installed. I upgraded to 98, then 98SE. Tried ME, then I lashed out into XP. It was only a couple of years ago that I thought I would give Vista a run.
All other comps at home (including the wife's) operate on XP/Pro SP3. I enjoy trying to keep up with the Technology, but when you are retired, you have to cut the cloth to suit the pocket.
Hence my latest splash out to try and keep up to date. (see my System Details)
When I can afford it, W7/8 would be nice to have, but as with everything today, Technological improvements are happening too rapidly to toss what's working OK, just to say you have the latest available. (Keeping up with the Jones). Cheers Neil.

 

Use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

Microsoft.com > Move files and settings to a new computer running Windows XP

 

SpywareDr,

Thanks for you reply - I think that may be the way to go or bite the Bullet and purchase Acronis Total Image.

At any rate thanks to all

regards:captjlddd

 

You're welcome.