Question about reusing a HDD and OS

C

Chris72

New Member
I recently had a MoBo die on an older system and plan to build a new one using what I can from the dead system as cheap as possible. This is my seven-year-old sons computer.

My main question is what will happen if I reuse the old HDD loaded with XP Pro. My son knows XP and I'd prefer not to purchase another OS and hopefully use the money saved to buy a nicer video card since he streams Netflix.

What are my options?
 
Well, you would have to reinstall XP most likely, as the OS probably won't boot with new hardware. If you have the original install CD, that would be the best route to go down. If not, then you may as well invest in Windows 7, but you can also buy a new copy of XP if you really want to.
 
Thanks for the responce.

So now I am looking over Win7 at newegg and I am wondering what the difference is between a retail version and OEM version is besides $50.
 
Again, thanks for the reply!

My old system did just fine for what it was intended. It was an AMD dual core 2.2 (I think 2.2) and was the 939 socket. The problem with it is the boards that support the 939 are hard to find and expensive(~$100). The board that died was an ECS KN1 Lite ( http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16813135003 ). If I were to find an exact replacement board could I get away with just putting it all back together and it working?

I went to newegg and started picking out cheap parts to build a new system, but I have a hard time picking cheap stuff and end up with a $500 system (not including a case and HDD - I have an Antec case and newer 500g HDD).
 
If you do that, then all you are doing is replacing the motherboard. So everything that worked with the old one should work with this one. And, are you sure the PSU is good? I would want to make sure that if that was the problem, and it killed your mobo, you won't fry this one as well.
 
The PSU was replaced a few months before it died and I tested it after it died and checked out fine.

I found a board on ebay and wanted to be sure it will fire back up if I get a replacement board and not have to purchase a new OS. Is there a serial number tied to the MB and XP in anyway? I know I'm taking a chance buying a used MB and the seller only has 25 transactions, but does have 100% feedback, and I don't plan to spend too much on it just in case.
 
If it's the same motherboard that you had, then there should be no problem. If it's a totally different motherboard then you'll have to do a repair install of XP and reactivate it, however, the reactivation might be a problem. Just call microsoft and explain that the board died and the board isn't made anymore and they should reactivate it for you.
 
Chris,
I just posted a new string, XP Notice that you will want to read. The other thing is the stories about OEM disks, there is a great deal of generalization, incorrectly applied here. The ability to reinstall XP, Pro or Home, depends on who wrote the disk. I have two from different sources that I use constantly to reinstall people's XP that have lost or discarded their CD. All I need is the Windows License Key.

Now, before your bubble is rudely burst, let me add, it depends on, not only who wrote the CD but also who built the computer. In the case of a Dell, I have yet to use my disks and succeed. I've had no problem with Toshibas, HPs nor most of the others.I wish you God's blessings and success.
 
th1bill said:
Chris,
I just posted a new string, XP Notice that you will want to read. The other thing is the stories about OEM disks, there is a great deal of generalization, incorrectly applied here. The ability to reinstall XP, Pro or Home, depends on who wrote the disk. I have two from different sources that I use constantly to reinstall people's XP that have lost or discarded their CD. All I need is the Windows License Key.

Now, before your bubble is rudely burst, let me add, it depends on, not only who wrote the CD but also who built the computer. In the case of a Dell, I have yet to use my disks and succeed. I've had no problem with Toshibas, HPs nor most of the others.I wish you God's blessings and success.
Click to expand...

Ignore it, it is not true. Windows XP still has support, you just have to have SP3

Windows or Dell writes the CDs... they are fine
 
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