Backing up - Restoring

[guymez]

Need help in swapping computers...

Data and programs from a P2 IBM Compatible to a P4 box.

Data and programs from the P4 box to the P2 box.

Both computers running Windows XP Pro SP2.

Seemed simple, like just swap hard drives but then the drivers are different.

Is there a way of doing this without having to reload all the programs?

 

[PC eye]

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With all versions XP a distinct hardware profile ties the installation to one machine. After so many changes of hardware you would have to reinstall Windows and then reactivate it. What you are trying to do there is a massive hardware swapout by moving one drive to another system. The best thing you can do is slave one drive to another for transfers of files and data you from one system to the other. If you swap drives between systems you need a reinstallation of Windows and all programs on each drive.

Board drivers are different for the perhaps differment makss and model boards there. Video and sound will need to reinstalled. The best more would be to slave the intended drive to the drive already in one case and copy your files from it. Once done you remove the first drive and most likely will need to reformat the drive going in for a fresh installation of Windows and all programs. From there slave the other drive to retreive files from it as well as files going onto that drive when installed in the oter case. Plan the same in reverse for the other case where you also will need a fresh installation of everything.

There's simply too much involved there for performing repair installs of both Windows installations when swapping drives. XP was designed to wrap itself around the machine it's installed onto.