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    sweetnot13's Avatar
    sweetnot13 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 8, 2009, 08:45 AM
    Can an OS be recovered from an old HDD?
    Hi Folks

    My name is David and I would be grateful for any advice on offer.

    I am operating a Dell laptop with an OS of Windows 2000. I ceased using my desktop some time ago but recovered the hard drive from it before discarding.

    I have connected that HDD via a USB connection and can read the contents of that
    Old HDD on two further drive letters assigned in My Computer.

    Here's the rub. My old computer had an OS of Windows XP. Which, in my own simple way
    I was hoping I could get access to. Enabling me to upgrade the OS on my laptop.

    Am I being somewhat overoptimistic? Or is such as I desire, achievable? I think I passed my XP installation disc on to a family member ever such a long time ago. And, enquiries in that direction are not going well.

    Would someone kindly tell me that I am barking up the wrong tree and move on?

    Thank you in advance for any assistance you might offer.

    Best Wishes.

    David Smith :confused:
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #2

    Nov 8, 2009, 08:56 AM
    Nice idea, but no.
    An OS cannot be "copied" in this manner.
    You need legitimate install media.
    GrantHillsSA's Avatar
    GrantHillsSA Posts: 405, Reputation: 9
    Full Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 8, 2009, 09:42 AM

    CBen is right, you need that installation disk.
    Even booting from that old hard drive will give you blue screens and shut down, well depending if the mainboard chipset is the same, it might work.
    Anyway, if you boot from that XP HDD, chances are 99%, that you will have to do a windows repair on it, (With the Install Disk).

    Sorry mate :(
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