A search on the above returns various solutions but none that seem directly related to my situation. Really it seems simple but I have had replies from no problem to I would rather poke my eyes out than try that again. So hey I haven't asked a question since joining so here goes and I'll probably provide too much information.
First I build my own systems. We have a workgroup that has grown over the years. Each new system has been really easy, just put it together, add the system and then whatever software is desired. Well now the original desktop (which runs just fine) is getting old. Every once in awhile when powering up - no screen, no nothing. Power down the PS wait awhile hit the button and it's up and running (yes I've cleared CMOS, etc., etc.). Anyway I decide it is time to create a problem. Let us replace the motherboard, cpu, video, memory and transfer the other hardware over and have a new system.
Currently it is an old system, at least five years old. It is an ECS K7S5A mobo, AMD Athlon 2400+, SIS 735 chipset, 1024 MB DDR SDRAM, AGP 4X. In it's day it was a good board. Never had a problem with it and the applications that are running on it are to stay and of course where "all" of the original installation disks are is unknown (ya like the rest of you all have yours filed alphabetically by date, in a remote vault).
So of course the desired outcome is to install mobo, cpu, memory, video, transfer hardware, flip switch, see it boot, no problem, runs faster, all done, took 30 minutes or less. Currently it looks like this: optical drive connected to mobo primary ide as master, optical drive connected to mobo secondary ide as master, a PCI ultra 133 TX2 IDE has a 111GB (C:) and a 160GB (page file lives here), a SATA/150 PCI card with a 300GB (my docs, internet lives here), NEC enhanced USB PCI card and a video card in AGP slot. Mobo has SIS 900 fast ethernet, connected to internet via cable.
OK that's a good description of the hardware configuration. The OP Sys is XP Pro service pack 2. System is progressively backup-ed by EMC Retrospect 7.5 pro to an external WD drive. SP2 has been slipstreamed with the appropriate non standard drivers. Theoretically I can get back to point A in case of a disaster. I'm not going to expend a great deal of money on this venture. Right now I'm leaning toward an AMD 64 X2 4200+ on an appropriate ASUS mobo with a minimum of 1024 MB of memory, and a new video board of course.
How do I get the new and improved to fire up and recognize everything. I can't see where the slipstream disk will fit if anywhere since it's a picture of the old system and I expect the new to recognize the configuration as is. The first hard disk that has C: has two partitions and the others each three. Many a kind and well meaning individual have told me that first of all Microsoft has built XP so that mobo upgrades are not allowed unless they are contacted first to acquire some sort of new registration number. Next the driver situation. They say that is a pain since your backup of your current drivers is useless for the new situation. Oh what is a person to do (wringing hands, wringing hands).
All of this verbiage to simply ask what procedures are recommended for arriving at the desired destination.
Thank You
BWC
