[Freshwaterman]

I have done just about everything imaginable to computers except the following. I need some input from the computer gurus.

I want to switch hard drives from computer to computer, they both use the same type of memory, and the same operating system. I can tweak the video cards and sound cards etc. Question is has anyone done this and were there any snags? it seems doable.

Tom

 

[MT Stringer]

You bet, Tom...

there are a lot of drivers for hardware as well as proprietary stuff on the motherboard that could cause problems. From past experience I would say it's gonna be a hassle. Some things will work, others won't, or the system my hang.

Do you have everything you need for the computer you are putting the hard drive into? That would be the operating system and the CD with the drivers for the motherboard, sound, and other drivers necessary for a smooth installation.

It's always been easier for me to do a clean install on a formatted hard drive. Less clutter left behind after the upgrade.
Good luck.
Mike

 

[Freshwaterman]

Yep got the Motts

Yep Mike I have all the software required. The one I want to switch to has a faster processor. The bios shouldn't be a problem, and if I swap all the components into the new one it should work right?? I should know better than to try this as nothing works right in computers when you start messing with them. A clean install will be best for mine as it has a couple of viruses I can't shake, but I just had a new hard drive installed in the other and don't want to reformat if I can help it.

Tom

 

[WT427]

Do both computers have multiple hd's? If so remember to switch the jumper from master to slave if need be. Then put the arrow on the ide cable to pin1 and plug in. Shouldnt be a big deal since you have the software drivers.

 

[Trouthunter]

If you're running Win2K and the motherboards are different you're going to run into the BSOD or the blue screen of death. Win2k isn't plug & play.

You could install the hard drive as a slave to the one that is already in it and copy files over to the master.

Formatting and a fresh installation of the OS is the way to go.

TH

 

[Cat O' Lies]

Use Ghost. Connect the new drive as a slave (Drive1) on the old machine and ghost your old drive to the new one. Worst that can happen is the OS will use generic drivers until you install the correct ones.

 

[bill]

Sorry for the late response

I was tied down with some computers here. Anyway, there should be no problem switching out, the only thing that comes to mind is if you have WinXP OS. It might not load as too many changes were made but the good news is if you do according to the EULA, you can install the OS in a new computer as long as you remove the OS from the other computer.
I would address the "has a couple of viruses I can't shake" issue first. Please list them out and lets see if we can not get them removed first. Do not "Ghost" if you have a known virus as you will keep it.
Go to housecall and do an on-line scan.
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
After the scan if it gives you results that any problems detected cannot be removed, this is what I need for you to post.

BTW, DO NOT FLASH THE BIOS. It could destroy the computer and there is nothing that can make it work.

 

[bill]

Bump

Just wanted to know if everything is OK?

 

[Topcat]

Clean install is the way to go.

What you are trying to do will work. The problem is that it often doesn't quite get the old drivers cleaned out, and you will have intermittant or really wierd problems with the pc until you decide to format and do the install from scratch. Why waste the time and effort? Just bite the bullet and clean install it. No virus, no spyware, and be sure you have all the needed patches downloaded and burned to a CD BEFORE you start this. Don't connect a fresh install to the internet without updates unless you are behind some kind of firewall/router, or it will be infected before you can get to the Windows Update website.

Good luck on the install! I have wasted many an hour trying to get other folks mess to work.

 

[Freshwaterman]

Haven't Done it yet.

Haven't had time yet to do the swap. I am thinking about just doing a reformat, and a clean install.

Bill I will go to that site and scan and post results in afew minutes. Thanks for the link. Back in a while.

Thanks,

 

[Freshwaterman]

Virus

I ran the scan using the link you provided. It found nothing but as it was scanning the sys32 file, Norton picked up a virus called "bloodhound packed" I have tried to start in safe mode and run a scan as Norton cannot delete for some reason. This is weird because when I run a Norton scan it doesn't catch this virus at all, but when I run another scan utility, like the one you provided, Norton finds that virus while the other utility is scanning the sys32 folder. I have noticied this machine slowing somewhat over the last month and it's starting to drive me crazy.

Tom

 

[bill]

OK, thats a start

I do recommend a clean install but I had the impression you did not want to go that route.
Now, Symantec uses the bloodhound to let you know there is a "unknown" named virus. It's just part of the heuristic algorithms they use when a syatem is infected with a new, packed, 32-bit Windows virus. That is NOT good news. Have your tried to do the scan with your anti-virus turned off. Sometimes they will conflict and give false reports.
Go here first and down load the virus definitation to catch this problem.
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/defs.download.html
It is a manual download and I do not believe it is part of any regular update.
I was getting worried when you did not come on line and let us know today, I kept checking and thinking to myself oh my.....

BTW,
AVG will detect and remove this issue and it is free anti virus protection.
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php
I made an edit here, I gave out the other language, I thought you might enjoy English [email protected]

 

[Freshwaterman]

Thanks Bill

Will keep you posted. I will come in this evening and try it. I am painting my new pit right now and maybe firing that dude off. I came in for a breather and a sammich and thought I cruise thru the site. I will get back with you this evening.

Thanks for all your help so far.

rom

 

[Freshwaterman]

No Luck

Installed and ran the software you recommended. It didn't find anything, but even after disabling Norton, while I was running the AVG software, it poppped up with "bloodhound packed" again.

I have spent far to much time on this already, more than I usually spend on anything. Tomorrow AM this baby is coming down and I will reformat and clean install. I am backing up my address book and stuff I need now, getting ready.

One question, should I un install Windows XP Upgrade so I can re install it?

Thanks for the help Bill, see you guys some time tomorrow.

 

[bill]

The clean install will be the best for you.

You should be able to install your version of XP and if you have a SP1, just install it after if it will let you, might need to call into M$ and get it activated first (it's their nickle) and just keep the code in case you need it later. You could always just register on line but not 100% sure since you will be installing on another computer. Just explain that you have changed hard drives and there should be no problem. If that becomes a problem, send me a pm and I can help you more.
I am going to be online tonight and will check into the response center to see if anyone else has detected any new strains.
On another note, I just completed a dual boot one one of my other computers, so far it's pretty cool. No real reason for it just something to do.