hi
can anyone tell me if its possible to install my old hdd into a new build computer
retaining all my ifiles and os

What is your OS?

You might have a problem with XP depending on alot of dependencies.

In any event your files would be fine using the old drive as a slave.

Originally Posted by barney

hi
can anyone tell me if its possible to install my old hdd into a new build computer
retaining all my ifiles and os

As jephree already said, XP might give you some headache.
If you are running an older system like ME or even 98/98SE then it usually doesnt take a lot to get it done. Only thing you should have at hand in advance are drivers for the Hardware in your new system.

Did that with Windows98 once, put the old 20GB hdd (which was pretty massive at that time) into a friends comp, booted windows in safe mode. Then in Device Manager removed the Plug&Play BIOS entry and started Windows. It picked up all hardware and as we had the drivers already the install went without problems.

hi
thanks for responding, i am at present using xp pro, i would like to keep all the stuff on my old drive by installing it on my new setup, i intend to use xp home edition or xp pro, or my other thought was using the file transfer wizard from my old pc to my new pc

Installing it on your new computer might work, but i am pretty sure that you will need to reactivate XP since there have been major changes to the hardware and the activation therefore is rendered invalid.

I would go with WinXP Pro, the Home version is ...wel....dunno how to put it....erm..sumwat limited

The easiest thing to do is fit the old hdd into a disk caddy which acts like a removable drive by plugging into a usb port. These can be obtained from Maplin Electronics or any good store...Not PC World!! Cost about £20.00.