Thread: Transfering OS from old to new computer

I have just had a new computer built and wish to use the OS from my old one in the new one. It was pre-installed in the old computer when I bought it 4 years ago. I don't have the CD but do have the product code. (Windows XP Pro)

The new computer is a 3.2GHz dual core with 2Gigs of memory and graphics card, as well as a 40g hard drive I intend to use mostly for the OS and primary software, and a 250g hard drive for the seldom used software and data files. (has CD & DVD burners etc. also) I have some skills, but certainly would not consider myself anything more than a novice computer user.

Any suggestions, directions or most importantly cautions, would be helpful to get me on my way. Thank you.

Originally Posted by TechieMike

hi,

So do you have any OS installed on your new PC? or is that why you want to transfer the old to the new?

You really have to install the OS from the CD on the new computer but you can use your license as long as you no longer use the same copy of XP on the old computer.

If you cant do that, then you could try some imaging software but im pretty sure this wont work as they two computer have such different hardware and XP will dectect this and most likely crash.

If you have an OS already on the new one then you can transfer files and settings from the old one to the new one..

let me know if you have an OS on both computers or not then i can talk you through the best option.

thanks

That is why I want to use the OS, I don't have one for the new computer.
I was told the XP PRO was able to be used for running multiple computers vs. the XP Home was only good for one. (not true?)
I do have a CD of the XP Home for my son's computer, (my old one will be his soon, his current is a piece of junk) An option would be to the XP PRO into the new one and then wipe the old one clean and install the XP Home to run it. Will I have networking problems doing that?

So I expect your advice would be to load the XP Home CD from my son's computer into the new machine, (then shut his down) later after the new one has had the data and software transfered into it then network them? Or just load the OS and then network them to transfer the data and software? (I've never hooked one up to another as you can surely tell.)

Thank you. Yes, I would like help setting up the network please. I have gone ahead and installed the XP Home on the new computer, but have not connected it to the Internet yet. I want to wait until I get some infections cleaned out before I connect this new one. (any suggestions) I have Spyware Dr, Zone Alert, Windows Defender, Spyware S&D, Ad Aware SE, and AVG Free personal. The only ones turning anything up is; occasionally Spyware S&D, regularly Spyware Dr and usually Zone Alert. So the rest I leave dormant (start manually) The same infection is never recorded in any other spyware program, meaning....... one picks up some kind of something, while each one picks up something different. My reasoning for having multiple cleaners.
What will I need for cable/hardware to connect these two in different rooms? My Internet connection is via cable modem w/ cable TV company. If it matters, each room is interconnected with co-ax with a feed from the cable company. The only thing that must be shared is a printer/scanner/copier. I will need to move software, files, and settings once connected, but I will just password secure my data when my 10 year old son gets this old one, because I still want to have back-up in case the new one gives me problems. Thanks again for taking the time to bring along a "pre-historic novice".

Hi:

The modem is a RCA model number DCM425C. I am with comcast cable company for a provider. The new computer is not on the internet, I have not hooked the two together yet. The old on still has some kind of problem and I don't want to infect the new one until I get it figured out. I'll try downloading the link you gave me tomorrow and get back to you. Thanks.