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Moving a primary Hardrive to another computer, will it work?

by davidkings
3 replies
I have a primary hardrive which works well and fast on one computer.

windows was installed on it, on this computer after a re-format..


If i take this hardrive, remove it and plug it into another computer's primary hardrive, (which has no hardrive) then will this hardrive work fine here, as the primary, with windows on as it did on computer 1?

or because the specs of computer 1 and computer 2 are different it wont work?

Computer 1, and 2 are both similar, both dels and very similar specs for memory etc etc.

or will the computer NOT recognise the hardrive, as it had windows installed on another computer?
#computer #hardrive #moving #primary #work
  • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
    Originally Posted by davidkings View Post

    I have a primary hardrive which works well and fast on one computer.

    windows was installed on it, on this computer after a re-format..


    If i take this hardrive, remove it and plug it into another computer's primary hardrive, (which has no hardrive) then will this hardrive work fine here, as the primary, with windows on as it did on computer 1?

    or because the specs of computer 1 and computer 2 are different it wont work?

    Computer 1, and 2 are both similar, both dels and very similar specs for memory etc etc.

    or will the computer NOT recognise the hardrive, as it had windows installed on another computer?
    the computer will recognize it, but it will most likely tell you it has drivers to install.
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    • Profile picture of the author Pierre!
      Chances are very slim that this will be worth the effort...

      You are talking about 'the holy grail' of computing. It has happened before, but they are typically almost identical computers.

      The motherboard, video, north/south bridge components and more do require specific drivers.

      There is a process called 'sysprep' that can assist in creating an installable image for multiple computers... and it does take some time and the sacrifice of 144 chickens to make it work for some folks.

      I had heard that this was overcome with Windows 7 - and this simply isn't true in my experience.

      The real issue is that for *clean* operation the full install, or the restoration from an Image File is recommended.

      Image files are only useful when you are replacing or upgrading the hard drive.

      Bottom line - Identical match is still the best way. I hear that some have had success with RAID changes... but I haven't tested it myself.

      Let us know how it works out for you - there is the possibility you will 'beat the odds' - and I always love a good 'I Beat The Odds' story.

      Merry Christmass
      Happy Hanukkah

      Patrick
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  • Profile picture of the author Adoniz
    The OS once booted will check the new devices that have added and prompt you for new drivers to be installed in case it does not have it.
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