How will I install new OS?

[GeminiZi]

Hi i'm expecting to get a new Dell Dimension 4550 any day now. I want to take that hard drive out and use my new 80GB hard drive. Will I be fine installing XP home edition that comes with it since it will be preinstalled in the original hard drive and maybe even registered and activated? Thank you guys.

 

[AJPatel]

They probably won't give you the CD for it. There's software that lets you do this exactly - move from one HD to another. I forget what it's called, but someone that comes by here will know it. It's not exactly like Ghost, but it's similar.

 

[Askalon]

Ghost should work, as well as PQ Drive image. Also, most hard drive manufacturers have some type of software to help you set up a new drive and usually it is a drive image software. YMMV.

 

[GregMal]

Well the only thing you're changing is the harddrive, right?
And the new Dell system should recognize it correctly.
And the system should come with at least a reinstall CD.
I'd say install the new HD and boot to the restore CD and
go for it............Greg

 

[mordeth]

Some restore CDs check to make sure the system is exactly the same, so not sure if the new hard drive will make the restart CD fail.

 

[GeminiZi]

These are all great suggestions, but is there anyone that has done this before and could tell me which step i should take?

 

[WeeWolf]

Try to just install your new HD and use the restore CD that comes with the Dell system. You lose nothing if it doesn't work and it does require you to purchase or DL new software in order to just try it. If it does not work you still have the original HD completely intact. All Dell boxes come with the license code for your OS printed on a sticker on the case. Remember that it is your right to change out hardware and the OS license is still good so at worst you may have to call Microsoft and reactivate with the new HD. I doubt it though.
Good luck

 

[saber800]

Your new Dell might have the /i386 Directory on the C Drive. What you can do is:

1) Burn the i386 directory on a cd rom - This directory is basically the same as making a Windows CD but with out the bootable part
2) Make a boot disk with CD-ROM drivers and with SmartDrive or what you can use it the Win98 Install Boot Disk (with CD-ROM Support) which already has all the cd-rom drivers (mscdex etc) and smartdrv (for faster copying).
3) Boot from floppy
4) Format your 80GB Hard Drive (prob. Fat32, can convert to NTFS later)
5) xcopy the i386 dir to the hard drive
6) cd into i386
7) run setup/install

This worked for me with my Compaq 6000Z. I hate it when manufacturers don't include the actual Windows CDs.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

Drive Copy from Powerquest will copy the Dell's HDD straight over to your new 80 Gigger. Drive Image from same and Nortons' Ghost will do the same thing, but you will have to back the HDD onto CDs' first, then re-image on the new drive from the CDs'. But first, try installing XP to the new drive with the restore cd..If it works, it works..If not, then use the alternatives.

 

[Turbopit]

Why not just leave the existing hardrive alone and add the 80 gig?

 

[GeminiZi]

Originally posted by: Turbopit
Why not just leave the existing hardrive alone and add the 80 gig?

A friend of mine needs a bigger hard drive, 110GB is too much for me.

Thank you guys for the great tips.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

A friend of mine needs a bigger hard drive, 110GB is too much for me.

you are going to deep six a 110GB drive and go down to an 80Gigger??? I'd tell your friend to get his own damn drive. :Q