switching hard drive help

[omar ismyhero]

ok so i have a very weird situation. my brother just left to college leaving his computer behind. I also have my computer. But a few days ago my power supply started smoking (not sure if it was ps but i think) so i dont want to spend uneeded money because im no computer whiz . my computer doesnt work, so im using my brothers. Now i want to switch harddrives from my computer to his because all my files are on there. We have same OS windows xp. i was wondering if i could just switch them while retaining everything? thanks

 

[BlkShdw88]

yes you can but you would have to repair the xp installation (boot from xp disc and hit enter to install then hit 'R' to repair xp installation (on ur hard drive) to install drivers for your bro's hardware and then you should be fine and yes ur files will remain)

 

[Defence]

Hey, you can just plug your HDD as slave and you'll access all data on it, and you needn't re-install (or make repair install).
It seems to my faster and easier.
Good luck!