Vista - New computer+current Vista=question on procedure..

I have perused the groups for days, and don't see a clear answer to my
upcoming dilemma. Here's the situation.. advice is appreciated.

Current system - fried ethernet adapter on motherboard.
I am building a new system, in the next 2-3 days. Currently, the computer
works great except for the cat connector. I will be salvaging some parts
from the working computer to create the newer system. New system will have a
new motherboard, CPU, and a new harddrive. I have done a complete PC backup
1 month ago, on an external firewire drive, and did a refresher complete PC
backup yesterday to prepare for this. I have 2 harddrives working in the
current computer. (C+D) My plan would like to see the new harddrive added in
as C: (boot drive) and add the working boot C drive as D drive, then I'll
tack on the older second HDD as a third in the new system, E drive. I am
aware I may have to call MS to get my copy of vista validated once up and
running.
My main question is, I can get my vista upgrade to get a regular install up
and running. I want to end up with the newer HD (C as my boot drive in the
new system. What would be the easiest way to get to the point of using
restore to the new harddrive to resemble the old boot drive? And, is the
easiest way going to be get the new system barely up and running, and then do
the restore?
No easy transfer will be used, as I have no cable.
Thanks in advance, I'll check back in a day or so for your learned opinions.

It used to be that you had no choice but to run the upgrade over a fully installed qualifying MS product. This upset a lot of system administrators that wanted to start with clean installs on multiple machines without having to go the extra step.

Somewhat later on I believe they relaxed this restriction to allow a clean install prompting you for the qualifying product's install media for verification. It would depend on what release you have.

I'm not sure how you can tell, but if you have a SP1 release, I think you would be in luck for a clean install.

Try looking here

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...rade_clean.asp

Thanks so much for your replies, and I think I may have skewered the
question. The main question is.. once I get vista upgraded/installed.. is
it possible to then take my external HD backup and restore to the NEW
vista-loaded HD the old drive's setup? Basically switching the drives from
under vista, then trying a restore. ?
Thanks again.

"Jim R" wrote: