Vista - Can I Swap A Drive?

Hi all,

I purchased a new computer last year with Vista installed. I removed the HD
from my old computer (a Gateway Pro V800 SE, Pentium III) to use for backups
on my new machine.

My Mom has a hand-me-down Dell Dimension XPS, Pentium II running Win2K Pro
she uses as an email machine. Can I remove her Maxtor 91152D8 HD and
install it in the Gateway to take advantage of the better electronics? Do I
chance frying something? Will it boot and run or will I need some
interaction with MS?

Thanks for any ideas.

You will need a copy of your Gateway drivers disk handy, hopefully with
Windows 2k compatible drivers on it. Windows 2k on the Dell is not set up
to use the same motherboard and hardware as your Gateway. At the worst you
will have to boot into Safe Mode or VGA Mode in order to be able to install
the Gateway drivers. Then all should be well.

If the Gateway originally came with XP installed, then things may be more
complicated. Check the Gateway support site for availability of Windows 2k
drivers. Or you may want to install XP. That should be easy if you have a
recover disk that came with the Gateway. Some OEM recover programs wipe the
hard disk first. If you are going that route don't forget to back up all
the user files on the Dell first.

Earle

"PHX" <onthebacknine@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:OXeGA5qDJHA.2056@xxxxxx

"PHX" <onthebacknine@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:edXKxqsDJHA.3764@xxxxxxA repair install allows the OS to recognize the new/different hardware.