How would you build a computer

[Ioman]

Would you format and install Windows XP on a hard drive using your current system, then move and install the hard drive over to the new system.

Or would you format and install the OS on the new system directly?

Keep in mind both systems are using completely different hardware.

[Ioman]

IMO moving the drive over is a terrible idea and can possibly cause problems because of the hardware changes.

[Cloud]

ummm no offense but this is a n00b question. You install the OS on the new system. Anyone who knows computers knows this.

Installing a new video card is fine with Windows XP, but when you have to install all NEW motherboard components, video cards, Windows almost always chokes, and if it doesn't now, it will later. I would hate having two sets of drivers and configurations on my system.

[Archon]

Seraph: dude, u have to install on the new system
Seraph: if u change mobo, ur comp wont boot

[Windwalker]

For XP, or any of the MS-Windows breed, you pretty much have to install to the hardware you are going to use. It doesn't deal well with changing all the hardware like that. A modern distro of Linux would do just fine, but don't expect MS-Windows to be that flexible.

[Strippy]

I voted for the second option. However, I rarely format AND install on the same system, since formatting is slow in DOS and DOS portion of Win32 installs.

What I like to do is format, make the drive bootable, and move the i386 files using a working computer. Then put the HD in the new comp, and install from there. Makes life easier and shaves a few minutes imo :) Since this was not an option, format and install on same system is next best thing.

-Strip

[ECA]

you are taking a HD from one system to install over another HD in another system.
And the systems are not equal?
NOT...

[poosh77]

If you're installing to a computer with different hardware I would definitely transfer the hard drive to the new system before formatting and reinstalling everything. Too much room for problems the other way.

[timalpr]

Does that mean mine was done wrong? That sucks!! Just so you know, so far no poblems.

[Cloud]

Originally posted by timalpr
Does that mean mine was done wrong? That sucks!! Just so you know, so far no poblems.

If yours is working fine I would not worry about it, consider yourself lucky! haha:D

[gr00vy0ne]

Yeah, it's an odd question...i can see why some people might want to transfer over but in terms of "good practices", you should always start clean. If you run into problems it will be easier to troubleshoot what the problem could be. Windows XP (as an example and most modern Windows OSes) was not designed to be simply transferred to new hardware. It works sometimes...but in most cases it's not a good idea.