Ghost clone XP Hard Drive in/on new motherboard

Hi
I have a need to replace the hardware, specifically, the CPU/Memory
and Motherboard in my XP machine. However, due to the expense of the
updated version of one particular software package I use, I need to
'clone' the Hard Drive and not reinstall the application.

I believe I had heard that, providing I use a motherboard/CPU with the
same chipset, a DOS type Ghost copy of the older/smaller hard drive
would work properly on the new installation.

If anyone has had experiences doing the same thing, I ask that you
share it with me as I really do not want to lose the installation.

Additionally, if any special steps are needed before or after the
cloning/reuse of the hard drive on the new machine, I would also
appreciate the information sharing.

Thanking you in advance
Joe

 

I used Norton Ghost and copied one entire drive to the newly formatted one.
No problems.

 

So with this expensive software you dont have an installation cd, nor will
they provide a means of reinstalling something you apparently paid for?

You can try a ghost to new hardware, you will probably have to run a repair
installation of win though.
And if your winxp is OEM it might baulk at the new hw

 

XP won't like it, and you will need to do a repair on the
installation after you install it - XP will see it as a new system and
consider you a pirate..
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.php

Another link on the repair.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

FWIW msoobe.exe is the file you need to run to generate a wpa.dbl

 

I've never had to clone a drive to make it work with new hardware, just used
the same HDD, once all the drivers are installed it works just fine.

 

Did you also replace the motherboard? I'm guessing not if you had "no
problems". In that case you're talking tomatoes, when he's asking about
potatoes.

You'll have few (if any) problems putting a new hard drive (with a clone
of the original) into the same system original hard drive came out of.
You're using the exact same drivers and other assorted files that were
using before you switched hard drives. When you put an old system drive
into a new motherboard, there's no guarantee it will work properly. In
fact it's unlikely unless the new hardware uses the exact same hardware
as the old.

If you want to test it out, try moving your XP system drive into a new
computer and see if it will boot the computer. Again, I'm guessing not.

 

I addition to the other helpful likes, you may want to peruse this one:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/replace_motherboard.htm

 

Thanks for the time.
I have the installation CD, but have had insurmountable problems
trying to install it on any other system....and the company/author is
no longer available. The software does exactly what I need for my job
and the computer it is now on has been deteriorating rapidly to the
point where it is almost not usable--so a new one is in order, hence
the post.

I remember doing this with W98 and having nothing but problems on the
first boot, but seemed to have better luck if the chipset/cpu were the
same. I also remember a coworker of mine being successful with NT.
I assume that XP will get in a huff the 1st boot but reason that the
thing would work itself out after two or three boots and finding or
looking for the correct drivers--as one other post mentioned.

I am specifically looking for devices, software, or what have you to
remove prior to using the ghosted drive on the new configuration.

I can deal with the OEM thing here...will probably need to talk to MS
about activation though.

Again, Thanks for the post.
Joe

 

Thanks for the time...

that WPA link is a good one as is the one from michaelstevenstech.com.
I appreciate the post.
Joe

 

You need to SYSPREP the original Windows installation before Ghosting
it, or XP will detect the different HD ID and hang while loading.

Alternatively go to Acronis - apparently they have a free migration
tool designed just for this case.

gb

 

That's worked for me (so far!)

 

Thanks for the acronis tip.....I have 'spoken' with them and it looks
like their product will do the deed....not free, but not expensive
either.
Again, Thanks to all for the time to respond.
Joe

 

One more item:

Actually, here is the chat log for my inquiry:


" We can offer you Acronis True Image 9.1 Workstation
http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products/ATICW/ along with Acronis
Universal Restore
http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products/ATICW/universal-restore.html
add-on option.
Acronis Universal Restore allows you to restore to different hardware
without using the mentioned Sysprep."

Looks to beat ghost to the job.....and no Symantec to deal with!
Joe

 

It is possible to do this but unless you use an identical motherboard
chipset you will probably get a Blue screen of death on starting up.
THe OS when installed loads in a lot of underlying drivers to do with
your motherboard chipset. If it does not like what it sees on booting
(ie a new motherboard) there is every chance of a boot failure.

There is a very high chance that if you replace the motherboard on an
XP installation you are looking at a full re-install unfortunately.