recovering data from HDD with winxp O/S on

"GHalleck" <ghalleck DeleteThis @arrakian.mining.com> wrote in message
news:%23KaOPpQ3HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>
> p.mc wrote:
>
>> Hi
>>
>> I've been trying to help fix a mates pc. It powers up, but there is no
>> signal to the monitor.
>>
>> 1 - I reseated all the hardware inside and checked cables....(still the
>> same)
>> 2 - Put in a new working P/Supply....(still the same)
>> 3 - Put in different Graphics card....(still the same)
>>
>> He did have a problem with the CPU fan which he changed, also mentioned
>> he caught the MOBO with a screwdriver during the process, so now he'd
>> like me to recover the data from his Maxtor HDD.
>>
>> Can someone advise me on how best to do that?
>>
>> My sys specs are below, and will be the machine his HDD will be put into.
>>
>>
>
> There are various ways of doing this but my preference is to remove the
> HD and put it into an USB/Firewire external enclosure or adapter. This
> minimizes the effort by not requiring the opening of a second computer
> case and fiddling around with its internals.

Hi

I slaved "his" HDD on "my" machine, now wants me to wipe "his" HDD (format -
re-format?).
I noticed if I right click "his" slaved drive, it gives me the option to
format.

Note!...**He wants me to install the HDD into another old machine he has as
the primary HDD (PATA)**

1...Should I format it in "my" machine as mentioned above, then format it in
"his" other machine?
2...Should I put "my" winxp CD in and re-format in "my" machine?
3...Should I install it in "his" other machine and use it's winxp cd to
re-format?

Sorry for the long winded post, but I want to make sure I'm doing the right
thing for him.

--
Regards
p.mc

p.mc wrote:

> "GHalleck" <ghalleck.RemoveThis@arrakian.mining.com> wrote in message
> news:%23KaOPpQ3HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>
>>p.mc wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Hi
>>>
>>>I've been trying to help fix a mates pc. It powers up, but there is no
>>>signal to the monitor.
>>>
>>>1 - I reseated all the hardware inside and checked cables....(still the
>>>same)
>>>2 - Put in a new working P/Supply....(still the same)
>>>3 - Put in different Graphics card....(still the same)
>>>
>>>He did have a problem with the CPU fan which he changed, also mentioned
>>>he caught the MOBO with a screwdriver during the process, so now he'd
>>>like me to recover the data from his Maxtor HDD.
>>>
>>>Can someone advise me on how best to do that?
>>>
>>>My sys specs are below, and will be the machine his HDD will be put into.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>There are various ways of doing this but my preference is to remove the
>>HD and put it into an USB/Firewire external enclosure or adapter. This
>>minimizes the effort by not requiring the opening of a second computer
>>case and fiddling around with its internals.
>
>
> Hi
>
> I slaved "his" HDD on "my" machine, now wants me to wipe "his" HDD (format -
> re-format?).
> I noticed if I right click "his" slaved drive, it gives me the option to
> format.
>
> Note!...**He wants me to install the HDD into another old machine he has as
> the primary HDD (PATA)**
>
> 1...Should I format it in "my" machine as mentioned above, then format it in
> "his" other machine?
> 2...Should I put "my" winxp CD in and re-format in "my" machine?
> 3...Should I install it in "his" other machine and use it's winxp cd to
> re-format?
>
> Sorry for the long winded post, but I want to make sure I'm doing the right
> thing for him.
>

If you format this hard drive, all of its contents will be lost. Do not
do it.

As for putting the HD into another machine, it might or might not even
boot, depending on the differences between the 2 machines, the version
of Windows XP that is involved, among others.

The solution proposed by GHalleck is the safest for situations like this
and avoids the dilemna you are facing. Avoids all sort of problem areas
such as deciding whether the IDE cable is a straight-IDE one or is it
one for Cable Select, jumpering issues, pre-sets on the friend's HD, and
so on.

Good luck. Have fun. And ask the mate for the backups.

>> p.mc wrote:
>>
>>> Hi
>>>
>>> I've been trying to help fix a mates pc. It powers up, but there is no
>>> signal to the monitor.
>>>
>>> 1 - I reseated all the hardware inside and checked cables....(still the
>>> same)
>>> 2 - Put in a new working P/Supply....(still the same)
>>> 3 - Put in different Graphics card....(still the same)
>>>
>>> He did have a problem with the CPU fan which he changed, also mentioned
>>> he caught the MOBO with a screwdriver during the process, so now he'd
>>> like me to recover the data from his Maxtor HDD.
>>>
>>> Can someone advise me on how best to do that?
>>>
>>> My sys specs are below, and will be the machine his HDD will be put
>>> into.


> "GHalleck" <ghalleck DeleteThis @arrakian.mining.com> wrote in message
> news:%23KaOPpQ3HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> There are various ways of doing this but my preference is to remove the
>> HD and put it into an USB/Firewire external enclosure or adapter. This
>> minimizes the effort by not requiring the opening of a second computer
>> case and fiddling around with its internals.


"p.mc" <p DeleteThis @mc.com> wrote in message
news:uUadjGR3HHA.536@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Hi
>
> I slaved "his" HDD on "my" machine, now wants me to wipe "his" HDD
> (format - re-format?).
> I noticed if I right click "his" slaved drive, it gives me the option to
> format.
>
> Note!...**He wants me to install the HDD into another old machine he has
> as the primary HDD (PATA)**
>
> 1...Should I format it in "my" machine as mentioned above, then format it
> in "his" other machine?
> 2...Should I put "my" winxp CD in and re-format in "my" machine?
> 3...Should I install it in "his" other machine and use it's winxp cd to
> re-format?
>
> Sorry for the long winded post, but I want to make sure I'm doing the
> right thing for him.
>
> --
> Regards
> p.mc


p.mc:
The answer, of course is your "option" 3.

We're assuming, of course, that you're dealing with a non-defective HDD.

Does "his other old machine" contain a functioning HDD with the XP OS? Would
cloning the contents of that HDD onto this "new" HDD (assuming you or he
have a disk cloning program) be an option or of any use? Or does he simply
want a fresh install of the XP onto that "new" HDD? If the latter, then just
go ahead with installing the "new" HDD as Primary Master in that "old"
machine and install XP (partitioning & formatting as you go along). If you
go that route, disconnect the "old" HDD (and any other HDDs/storage devices)
that may be installed before you undertake the XP installation. You can
later reconnect his "old" HDD as a secondary HDD in the system if he still
wants it.

I assume that in the meantime you've copied/backed up any data that your
friend needs or wants from that "new" HDD while it was connected in your
system.
Anna

"Anna" <myname DeleteThis @myisp.net> wrote in message
news:ub3cxSR3HHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>
>>> p.mc wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi
>>>>
>>>> I've been trying to help fix a mates pc. It powers up, but there is no
>>>> signal to the monitor.
>>>>
>>>> 1 - I reseated all the hardware inside and checked cables....(still the
>>>> same)
>>>> 2 - Put in a new working P/Supply....(still the same)
>>>> 3 - Put in different Graphics card....(still the same)
>>>>
>>>> He did have a problem with the CPU fan which he changed, also mentioned
>>>> he caught the MOBO with a screwdriver during the process, so now he'd
>>>> like me to recover the data from his Maxtor HDD.
>>>>
>>>> Can someone advise me on how best to do that?
>>>>
>>>> My sys specs are below, and will be the machine his HDD will be put
>>>> into.
>
>
>> "GHalleck" <ghalleck DeleteThis @arrakian.mining.com> wrote in message
>> news:%23KaOPpQ3HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>> There are various ways of doing this but my preference is to remove the
>>> HD and put it into an USB/Firewire external enclosure or adapter. This
>>> minimizes the effort by not requiring the opening of a second computer
>>> case and fiddling around with its internals.
>
>
> "p.mc" <p DeleteThis @mc.com> wrote in message
> news:uUadjGR3HHA.536@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> Hi
>>
>> I slaved "his" HDD on "my" machine, now wants me to wipe "his" HDD
>> (format - re-format?).
>> I noticed if I right click "his" slaved drive, it gives me the option to
>> format.
>>
>> Note!...**He wants me to install the HDD into another old machine he has
>> as the primary HDD (PATA)**
>>
>> 1...Should I format it in "my" machine as mentioned above, then format it
>> in "his" other machine?
>> 2...Should I put "my" winxp CD in and re-format in "my" machine?
>> 3...Should I install it in "his" other machine and use it's winxp cd to
>> re-format?
>>
>> Sorry for the long winded post, but I want to make sure I'm doing the
>> right thing for him.
>>
>> --
>> Regards
>> p.mc
>
>
> p.mc:
> The answer, of course is your "option" 3.
>
> We're assuming, of course, that you're dealing with a non-defective HDD.
>
> Does "his other old machine" contain a functioning HDD with the XP OS?
> Would cloning the contents of that HDD onto this "new" HDD (assuming you
> or he have a disk cloning program) be an option or of any use? Or does he
> simply want a fresh install of the XP onto that "new" HDD? If the latter,
> then just go ahead with installing the "new" HDD as Primary Master in that
> "old" machine and install XP (partitioning & formatting as you go along).
> If you go that route, disconnect the "old" HDD (and any other HDDs/storage
> devices) that may be installed before you undertake the XP installation.
> You can later reconnect his "old" HDD as a secondary HDD in the system if
> he still wants it.
>
> I assume that in the meantime you've copied/backed up any data that your
> friend needs or wants from that "new" HDD while it was connected in your
> system.
> Anna
>

Hi Anna

Basically he's got 2 machines and now buying a "new" machine with xp
pre-installed etc...etc.

1...His 1st bought machine is in full working order, but has no HDD's
installed...(so not working at present)
2...His 2nd bought machine has the initial problem of no signal to monitor.
(it looks as if he's damaged circuitry
on the MOBO).

I've backed up the data from his non-defective HDD, but now want to
re-format it so it can be installed into his "1st bought"
machine, to be used for his kids educational/games etc..etc.
My concern was did I have to format it in my machine before installing it to
his "1st bought" machine, particularly because
it had an O/S installed on the Disk. I thought it may not boot up.

So all I need to do is install the HDD into his "1st bought" machine and
re-format with that machines XP CD?

Regards
p.mc

>>>> p.mc wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Hi
>>>>>
>>>>> I've been trying to help fix a mates pc. It powers up, but there is no
>>>>> signal to the monitor.
>>>>>
>>>>> 1 - I reseated all the hardware inside and checked cables....(still
>>>>> the same)
>>>>> 2 - Put in a new working P/Supply....(still the same)
>>>>> 3 - Put in different Graphics card....(still the same)
>>>>>
>>>>> He did have a problem with the CPU fan which he changed, also
>>>>> mentioned he caught the MOBO with a screwdriver during the process, so
>>>>> now he'd like me to recover the data from his Maxtor HDD.
>>>>>
>>>>> Can someone advise me on how best to do that?
>>>>>
>>>>> My sys specs are below, and will be the machine his HDD will be put
>>>>> into.


>>> "GHalleck" <ghalleck DeleteThis @arrakian.mining.com> wrote in message
>>> news:%23KaOPpQ3HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>> There are various ways of doing this but my preference is to remove the
>>>> HD and put it into an USB/Firewire external enclosure or adapter. This
>>>> minimizes the effort by not requiring the opening of a second computer
>>>> case and fiddling around with its internals.


>> "p.mc" <p DeleteThis @mc.com> wrote in message
>> news:uUadjGR3HHA.536@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>> Hi
>>>
>>> I slaved "his" HDD on "my" machine, now wants me to wipe "his" HDD
>>> (format - re-format?).
>>> I noticed if I right click "his" slaved drive, it gives me the option to
>>> format.
>>>
>>> Note!...**He wants me to install the HDD into another old machine he has
>>> as the primary HDD (PATA)**
>>>
>>> 1...Should I format it in "my" machine as mentioned above, then format
>>> it in "his" other machine?
>>> 2...Should I put "my" winxp CD in and re-format in "my" machine?
>>> 3...Should I install it in "his" other machine and use it's winxp cd to
>>> re-format?
>>>
>>> Sorry for the long winded post, but I want to make sure I'm doing the
>>> right thing for him.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Regards
>>> p.mc


> "Anna" <myname DeleteThis @myisp.net> wrote in message
> news:ub3cxSR3HHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> p.mc:
>> The answer, of course is your "option" 3.
>>
>> We're assuming, of course, that you're dealing with a non-defective HDD.
>>
>> Does "his other old machine" contain a functioning HDD with the XP OS?
>> Would cloning the contents of that HDD onto this "new" HDD (assuming you
>> or he have a disk cloning program) be an option or of any use? Or does he
>> simply want a fresh install of the XP onto that "new" HDD? If the latter,
>> then just go ahead with installing the "new" HDD as Primary Master in
>> that "old" machine and install XP (partitioning & formatting as you go
>> along). If you go that route, disconnect the "old" HDD (and any other
>> HDDs/storage devices) that may be installed before you undertake the XP
>> installation. You can later reconnect his "old" HDD as a secondary HDD in
>> the system if he still wants it.
>>
>> I assume that in the meantime you've copied/backed up any data that your
>> friend needs or wants from that "new" HDD while it was connected in your
>> system.
>> Anna


"p.mc" <p DeleteThis @mc.com> wrote in message
news:%23mW3wqR3HHA.5424@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Hi Anna
>
> Basically he's got 2 machines and now buying a "new" machine with xp
> pre-installed etc...etc.
>
> 1...His 1st bought machine is in full working order, but has no HDD's
> installed...(so not working at present)
> 2...His 2nd bought machine has the initial problem of no signal to
> monitor. (it looks as if he's damaged circuitry
> on the MOBO).
>
> I've backed up the data from his non-defective HDD, but now want to
> re-format it so it can be installed into his "1st bought"
> machine, to be used for his kids educational/games etc..etc.
> My concern was did I have to format it in my machine before installing it
> to his "1st bought" machine, particularly because
> it had an O/S installed on the Disk. I thought it may not boot up.
>
> So all I need to do is install the HDD into his "1st bought" machine and
> re-format with that machines XP CD?
>
> Regards
> p.mc


p.mc:
Yes, your final sentence of your last post is the way to go. You will be
making a fresh install of the XP OS onto that HDD. I assume you know the
process. As you undertake that install process you will have an opportunity
to delete any & all partitions on that drive, create one or more partitions
as you please, and format same. You will continue to install the OS using
that XP installation CD. There is nothing more you need to partition,
format, and install the XP OS onto that HDD other than the XP installation
CD.
Anna

"Anna" <myname.RemoveThis@myisp.net> wrote in message
news:uudVVrS3HHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>
>>>>> p.mc wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I've been trying to help fix a mates pc. It powers up, but there is
>>>>>> no signal to the monitor.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1 - I reseated all the hardware inside and checked cables....(still
>>>>>> the same)
>>>>>> 2 - Put in a new working P/Supply....(still the same)
>>>>>> 3 - Put in different Graphics card....(still the same)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> He did have a problem with the CPU fan which he changed, also
>>>>>> mentioned he caught the MOBO with a screwdriver during the process,
>>>>>> so now he'd like me to recover the data from his Maxtor HDD.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Can someone advise me on how best to do that?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> My sys specs are below, and will be the machine his HDD will be put
>>>>>> into.
>
>
>>>> "GHalleck" <ghalleck.RemoveThis@arrakian.mining.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:%23KaOPpQ3HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>>> There are various ways of doing this but my preference is to remove
>>>>> the
>>>>> HD and put it into an USB/Firewire external enclosure or adapter. This
>>>>> minimizes the effort by not requiring the opening of a second computer
>>>>> case and fiddling around with its internals.
>
>
>>> "p.mc" <p.RemoveThis@mc.com> wrote in message
>>> news:uUadjGR3HHA.536@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>> Hi
>>>>
>>>> I slaved "his" HDD on "my" machine, now wants me to wipe "his" HDD
>>>> (format - re-format?).
>>>> I noticed if I right click "his" slaved drive, it gives me the option
>>>> to format.
>>>>
>>>> Note!...**He wants me to install the HDD into another old machine he
>>>> has as the primary HDD (PATA)**
>>>>
>>>> 1...Should I format it in "my" machine as mentioned above, then format
>>>> it in "his" other machine?
>>>> 2...Should I put "my" winxp CD in and re-format in "my" machine?
>>>> 3...Should I install it in "his" other machine and use it's winxp cd to
>>>> re-format?
>>>>
>>>> Sorry for the long winded post, but I want to make sure I'm doing the
>>>> right thing for him.
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Regards
>>>> p.mc
>
>
>> "Anna" <myname.RemoveThis@myisp.net> wrote in message
>> news:ub3cxSR3HHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> p.mc:
>>> The answer, of course is your "option" 3.
>>>
>>> We're assuming, of course, that you're dealing with a non-defective HDD.
>>>
>>> Does "his other old machine" contain a functioning HDD with the XP OS?
>>> Would cloning the contents of that HDD onto this "new" HDD (assuming you
>>> or he have a disk cloning program) be an option or of any use? Or does
>>> he simply want a fresh install of the XP onto that "new" HDD? If the
>>> latter, then just go ahead with installing the "new" HDD as Primary
>>> Master in that "old" machine and install XP (partitioning & formatting
>>> as you go along). If you go that route, disconnect the "old" HDD (and
>>> any other HDDs/storage devices) that may be installed before you
>>> undertake the XP installation. You can later reconnect his "old" HDD as
>>> a secondary HDD in the system if he still wants it.
>>>
>>> I assume that in the meantime you've copied/backed up any data that your
>>> friend needs or wants from that "new" HDD while it was connected in your
>>> system.
>>> Anna
>
>
> "p.mc" <p.RemoveThis@mc.com> wrote in message
> news:%23mW3wqR3HHA.5424@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> Hi Anna
>>
>> Basically he's got 2 machines and now buying a "new" machine with xp
>> pre-installed etc...etc.
>>
>> 1...His 1st bought machine is in full working order, but has no HDD's
>> installed...(so not working at present)
>> 2...His 2nd bought machine has the initial problem of no signal to
>> monitor. (it looks as if he's damaged circuitry
>> on the MOBO).
>>
>> I've backed up the data from his non-defective HDD, but now want to
>> re-format it so it can be installed into his "1st bought"
>> machine, to be used for his kids educational/games etc..etc.
>> My concern was did I have to format it in my machine before installing it
>> to his "1st bought" machine, particularly because
>> it had an O/S installed on the Disk. I thought it may not boot up.
>>
>> So all I need to do is install the HDD into his "1st bought" machine and
>> re-format with that machines XP CD?
>>
>> Regards
>> p.mc
>
>
> p.mc:
> Yes, your final sentence of your last post is the way to go. You will be
> making a fresh install of the XP OS onto that HDD. I assume you know the
> process. As you undertake that install process you will have an
> opportunity to delete any & all partitions on that drive, create one or
> more partitions as you please, and format same. You will continue to
> install the OS using that XP installation CD. There is nothing more you
> need to partition, format, and install the XP OS onto that HDD other than
> the XP installation CD.
> Anna
>

Hi

Should I take out the GFX card/sound card/pci adapters etc on his "1st
bought" machine, before re-formating, then add them one at a time after the
O/S is installed, or doesn't it matter?

--
Regards
p.mc

>>>>>> p.mc wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I've been trying to help fix a mates pc. It powers up, but there is
>>>>>>> no signal to the monitor.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 1 - I reseated all the hardware inside and checked cables....(still
>>>>>>> the same)
>>>>>>> 2 - Put in a new working P/Supply....(still the same)
>>>>>>> 3 - Put in different Graphics card....(still the same)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> He did have a problem with the CPU fan which he changed, also
>>>>>>> mentioned he caught the MOBO with a screwdriver during the process,
>>>>>>> so now he'd like me to recover the data from his Maxtor HDD.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Can someone advise me on how best to do that?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> My sys specs are below, and will be the machine his HDD will be put
>>>>>>> into.
>>
>>
>>>>> "GHalleck" <ghalleck.DeleteThis@arrakian.mining.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:%23KaOPpQ3HHA.4184@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> There are various ways of doing this but my preference is to remove
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> HD and put it into an USB/Firewire external enclosure or adapter.
>>>>>> This
>>>>>> minimizes the effort by not requiring the opening of a second
>>>>>> computer
>>>>>> case and fiddling around with its internals.
>>
>>
>>>> "p.mc" <p.DeleteThis@mc.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:uUadjGR3HHA.536@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>>> Hi
>>>>>
>>>>> I slaved "his" HDD on "my" machine, now wants me to wipe "his" HDD
>>>>> (format - re-format?).
>>>>> I noticed if I right click "his" slaved drive, it gives me the option
>>>>> to format.
>>>>>
>>>>> Note!...**He wants me to install the HDD into another old machine he
>>>>> has as the primary HDD (PATA)**
>>>>>
>>>>> 1...Should I format it in "my" machine as mentioned above, then format
>>>>> it in "his" other machine?
>>>>> 2...Should I put "my" winxp CD in and re-format in "my" machine?
>>>>> 3...Should I install it in "his" other machine and use it's winxp cd
>>>>> to re-format?
>>>>>
>>>>> Sorry for the long winded post, but I want to make sure I'm doing the
>>>>> right thing for him.
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> Regards
>>>>> p.mc


>>> "Anna" <myname.DeleteThis@myisp.net> wrote in message
>>> news:ub3cxSR3HHA.1188@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>> p.mc:
>>>> The answer, of course is your "option" 3.
>>>>
>>>> We're assuming, of course, that you're dealing with a non-defective
>>>> HDD.
>>>>
>>>> Does "his other old machine" contain a functioning HDD with the XP OS?
>>>> Would cloning the contents of that HDD onto this "new" HDD (assuming
>>>> you or he have a disk cloning program) be an option or of any use? Or
>>>> does he simply want a fresh install of the XP onto that "new" HDD? If
>>>> the latter, then just go ahead with installing the "new" HDD as Primary
>>>> Master in that "old" machine and install XP (partitioning & formatting
>>>> as you go along). If you go that route, disconnect the "old" HDD (and
>>>> any other HDDs/storage devices) that may be installed before you
>>>> undertake the XP installation. You can later reconnect his "old" HDD as
>>>> a secondary HDD in the system if he still wants it.
>>>>
>>>> I assume that in the meantime you've copied/backed up any data that
>>>> your friend needs or wants from that "new" HDD while it was connected
>>>> in your system.
>>>> Anna


>> "p.mc" <p.DeleteThis@mc.com> wrote in message
>> news:%23mW3wqR3HHA.5424@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> Hi Anna
>>>
>>> Basically he's got 2 machines and now buying a "new" machine with xp
>>> pre-installed etc...etc.
>>>
>>> 1...His 1st bought machine is in full working order, but has no HDD's
>>> installed...(so not working at present)
>>> 2...His 2nd bought machine has the initial problem of no signal to
>>> monitor. (it looks as if he's damaged circuitry
>>> on the MOBO).
>>>
>>> I've backed up the data from his non-defective HDD, but now want to
>>> re-format it so it can be installed into his "1st bought"
>>> machine, to be used for his kids educational/games etc..etc.
>>> My concern was did I have to format it in my machine before installing
>>> it to his "1st bought" machine, particularly because
>>> it had an O/S installed on the Disk. I thought it may not boot up.
>>>
>>> So all I need to do is install the HDD into his "1st bought" machine and
>>> re-format with that machines XP CD?
>>>
>>> Regards
>>> p.mc


> "Anna" <myname.DeleteThis@myisp.net> wrote in message
> news:uudVVrS3HHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> p.mc:
>> Yes, your final sentence of your last post is the way to go. You will be
>> making a fresh install of the XP OS onto that HDD. I assume you know the
>> process. As you undertake that install process you will have an
>> opportunity to delete any & all partitions on that drive, create one or
>> more partitions as you please, and format same. You will continue to
>> install the OS using that XP installation CD. There is nothing more you
>> need to partition, format, and install the XP OS onto that HDD other than
>> the XP installation CD.
>> Anna


Hi
"p.mc" <p.DeleteThis@mc.com> wrote in message
news:efIsHhW3HHA.748@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Should I take out the GFX card/sound card/pci adapters etc on his "1st
> bought" machine, before re-formating, then add them one at a time after
> the O/S is installed, or doesn't it matter?
> --
> Regards
> p.mc


No, there's no need to do this. Leave the graphics card connected. The only
devices that should be removed from the machine prior to the XP installation
are storage devices like HDDs, flash drives, ZIP drives, etc.

After the XP OS is installed you will (probably) have to install drivers of
one sort or another from the motherboard's installation CD. On the other
hand it's entirely possible XP will "pick up" the necessary drivers during
the installation of the OS. If drivers do need to be installed following the
installation of the OS but you do not have the motherboard's installation
CD, then you will need to access the manufacturer of the MB to
download/install whatever drivers are necessary.
Anna