Installing Hard Drive onto another computer

[mn072065]

Hi some info please. I have a dell XPS 600 computer and a Dell Optiplex 755. I lost the motherboard on my dell xps system. Is it possible to ake out the main hard drive of my dell xps system and replace the Dell Optiplex 755 unit so that i can run like normal before, or will it not work since it's different motherboards. Thank you for the help.

PS both systems have windows 7 ultimate installed. My XPS had Windows 7 Ultimate 64 and the optiplex has same but 32 bit.

 

[seekermeister]

I don't know the hardware, but the main problem would be that it is likely that the motherboards don't run on the same drivers. You may be able to install the new drivers and keep the installation intact, but it will most likely require reactivation, most likely by phone. Since it is likely that you have an OEM version of W7, reactivation may not be possible.

 

[theog]

Are both PC 's 64bit?

 

[mn072065]

I don't know the hardware, but the main problem would be that it is likely that the motherboards don't run on the same drivers. You may be able to install the new drivers and keep the installation intact, but it will most likely require reactivation, most likely by phone. Since it is likely that you have an OEM version of W7, reactivation may not be possible.

Dont mind reactivating windows, i just wanted to use it for one day. If this is possible i can backup stuff to another pc

 

[theronin]

You might want to consider an external enclosure and connecting the 600 HD to the 755 and recovering your files that way. They also make this universal connector which can connect all manner of HDs from 3.5 to 2.5 from SATA to IDE for pretty cheap.

 

[mn072065]

You might want to consider an external enclosure and connecting the 600 HD to the 755 and recovering your files that way. They also make this universal connector which can connect all manner of HDs from 3.5 to 2.5 from SATA to IDE for pretty cheap.

I will do that, no other choice. thanks

 

[gregrocker]

I move HD's out of problem computers to install Win7 frequently, then return the HD to the problem computer and it almost always will work.

It changes out all of the drivers, requests several restarts, but if it will make it to the Desktop then I have experienced no performance proglems at all.

Certainly worth a try.

As far as activation goes, the way to handle this is to go to Computer>Properties activation link and Change Product Key to reinstall the same Product key. This will normally refresh the hardware signature so that you don't lose activation due to hardware changes.

Sometimes it requires a Repair Install (ugprade over itself from desktop) to reset the acdtivaiton and fully refresh the hardware signature, as a Repair Install always requires reactivation anyway.

 

[patio]

The Repair Install will handle it nicely...just tested this last week .
Make sure though to double-check Device manager after finishing to see which drivers still need updated...