How to Copy Windows Xp From One Computer to Another
Cloning your WindowsXP installation for a new PC is a slightly more complex procedure than simply cloning Windows XP onto a new hard disk on the same computer, since the underlying hardware also changes. This necessitates a 'repair install' of the operating system, in which the essential system files are reinstalled while leaving the registry and all data and programs intact. Once these procedures are complete, you will also need to reactivate your copy of Windows XP and probably install drivers.
Note that depending on the make of the computer system you have purchased, opening the case and copying over the hard drive may bring warranty issues, so check before you do so. Another issue you might want to be aware of is that installing XP onto another computer, even if you no longer intend to use the first computer, is a violation of the EULA (End User License Agreement) of OEM copies of Windows XP.
This copyright limitation does not apply to retail box versions of Windows XP provided you do not use it on more than one system. This issue becomes more of a technicality if you have purchased a new copy of XP with your new system and simply wish to move your old WinXP install over for simplicity. For more details on the assorted issues relating to this, see our copyright and legality article here.
For this procedure first power off both computers and transfer the old drive into the new computer as a secondary hard drive. To do this, remove the old operation system hard disk from your old computer and install it in the new computer.
Once you have the old drive connected to the new computer, perform the disk cloning operation using whichever software cloning program you choose from Part 2. of this guide (the specific instructions on how to do this are listed in Part 2. by the way).
What to do when the cloning to the new PC is complete?
When the cloning operation is complete, remove the old drive and boot up the new computer with the windows XP CD in the CD drive. You will need to ensure that the system is set to boot from the CD drive first. If it is not, this can be easily changed in the BIOS.
Press any key when prompted to boot from the XP CD.
You now need to perform a "Windows XP repair install," which redetects all hardware and reinstalls system files without touching the registry or user data present on the system. This process adapts your Windows XP install to the new hardware it is running on.
To do this first choose the "press enter to set up Windows XP now" option when prompted. Then, press F8 to skip through the EULA (though if you haven't read it before, you should now), and when the option presents itself, pres "R" to begin the repair installation.
Be very careful not to in advertently set you computer to simply reinstall the new drive. If you do this, the operating system will start from scratch, wiping out your data in the process. The computer will go through the entire XP install process, but will not attempt to replace any of your existing data. It will simply reinstall the system files and redetect all the hardware.
Once the Window XP repair install has completed, boot the system normally. You will be prompted to activate your copy of Windows XP again. Follow the onscreen procedure to activate XP over the phone. Now that you are back in your familiar WinXP environment, the final steps are to reinstall any drivers that may be missing, and to redo any patches and service packs that you applied previously.
| < Previous Page | © 2020 PCSTATS.com Please respect the time and effort that went into creating each PCSTATS Beginners Guide, do not illegally copy. Thank you. | Next Page > |
| SEARCH PCSTATS | |
| Use the power of Google to search all of PCSTATS and the PCSTATS Forums. Tell us what you think of this new feature - FEEDBACK? | |
How to Copy Windows Xp From One Computer to Another
Source: https://www.pcstats.com/articles/418/5.html