Ok here's what I'm trying to do.
My 1st rig was a Dell PC with Windows XP. I go tired of it, so I built a new PC, but retained the old Hard Drive. New Mobo, Processor, Video Card, pretty much everything.
I was able to use the version of XP that came with the Dell computer by using the long 25-digit code on the side of the PC.
Now I've got a complete new computer (#3). It came with 2 blank HD's. I tried installing the same version of Windows on 1 of the HD's and using the same 25-digit code but its not working now.
Is this because I didnt re-use the old HD from the 1st Dell computer (the one that originally came with XP)?
If so, how do I use the old HD on this new computer. I tried swapping one of the new HD's for the old HD but the computer was stuck in a continuous reboot. The old HD already has XP installed, will I have to format it again and start from scratch? I dont want to lose everything I have on there.
Help
My 1st rig was a Dell PC with Windows XP. I go tired of it, so I built a new PC, but retained the old Hard Drive. New Mobo, Processor, Video Card, pretty much everything.
I was able to use the version of XP that came with the Dell computer by using the long 25-digit code on the side of the PC.
Now I've got a complete new computer (#3). It came with 2 blank HD's. I tried installing the same version of Windows on 1 of the HD's and using the same 25-digit code but its not working now.
Is this because I didnt re-use the old HD from the 1st Dell computer (the one that originally came with XP)?
If so, how do I use the old HD on this new computer. I tried swapping one of the new HD's for the old HD but the computer was stuck in a continuous reboot. The old HD already has XP installed, will I have to format it again and start from scratch? I dont want to lose everything I have on there.
Help