swapping hard drives

[newb]

Hi

 

Was wondering if you guys could give me a hand, been looking through some of the posts and they seem pretty helpful.

 

Basically I want to give away my computer

 

a) Want to replace the hard drive since i have credit card details and confidential stuff on it

b) Can’t find my XP pro disc

c) Don’t have a clue how to put in a new hard drive

 

So don’t really know what i should do? is there a way to just copy the drivers etc from one hard drive to another without transferring anything else from the original hard drive is there a way to take xp from the old hard drive and put it on to the new one? Since I’m just going to get rid of the old one?

 

basically im capable enough with computer to be able to follow instructions on what i need to do but they would need to be step by step .

 

And can’t really afford to get anybody in to do it for me.

 

Cheers for any help you can offer

 

newb

[RandyL]

The only sure fire way to wipe all data from the old hard drive is so break it up and scatter it to the four corners of the earth. Short of that there are programs to wipe it. It will delete everything by various means and over writing files. This will do it in most cases but the goverment etc. can still do much even with these programs. If you are really concerned just pull it and throw it in the trash seperately.

 

There is not much value in a used drive. Trash it. As for how to replace it open the case and look. It's usually just a few screws and a cable. Oh and the power supply. Quite simple actually. Just make sure you get the right type of drive. SATA vs. EIDE. In most cases old systems are EIDE.

 

If you put in a new drive you will need to reinstall Windows on it. So you will need those disks.

 

Can you transfer it with the drivers etc.?

 

Prior to XP it could be done but you still needed the Microsoft key on those disks or on your computer. If it were still that easy no one would ever need to pay for Windows again so don't even think about it.

 

Find the disks or contact the manufacturer for the recovery disks if they still have them.

 

Put in the new drive and use the disks to reinstall.

 

Trash the old small drive.

[BeeCeeBee]

There is an open source program called Eraser I can't vouch for it since I have not used it but it appears legitimate. (I am sure there must be others as well.) The program allows you to overwrite specific files and folders multiple times while leaving the remainder of the drive intact and usable. That would eliminate your need to discard the drive and, more importantly, reinstall windows when you don't seem to have the discs.

 

Are you giving this old machine to a computer expert or just a friend? While it is true that deleting a file does not fully remove it, deletion and defragging will keep the nosy casual user from ever finding those files. You also have to be sure to clear all your temprary internet files and passwords from the browser and change your bank passwords.

 

While it is possible to retrieve the information it is an expensive proposition.

[newb]

ok so going for the "destroying and corner " option :P. If i can get my hands on my xp disc or buy another one. What should i do then

is it simply pull old one out

plug in new one

put in xp disc

and sit back

 

When do i install drives ? how do i find out what drives i need ? and where do i get these druives from ?

 

Cheers for the help

[BeeCeeBee]

OK so what you will have is an old computer with a brand new blank drive. If that is the case there is no need to even buy a new drive. Unless you plan on reinstalling the old drive and using it (which may be the case, I obviously don't know what you intend,) You can simply format the drive which will wipe it clean (some people will suggest that you use a shredder program.) Once that is done you will still have to reinstall windows with all the upgrades.

 

I think when you mention drives you mean drivers. The best place to get specific drivers is from the official site of the hardware manufacturer. Many 3rd party sites are not all that trustworthy. However, unless you have some pretty specific hardware (special graphics or sound cards, etc) Windows will probably already have the generic drivers that will conform to your hardware.

[newb]

Hi

 

Thanks yeah i ment drivers,

so

a) get blank hard drive

b) put it in to computer

c) put xp disc into computer

d) switch on

 

what will happen then, without the drivers will the computer still run? enough for me to be able to download the drivers?

What screens will come up?

 

cheers once again for all the help you are giving

[DSTM]

Nothing just happens,unfortunately.

You have to know how to install an Operating system.

You also have to have the Product Key ready for when asked.

Unless you study some XP Install Tutorials,I think this is over your head.:)

The easist.Give it away without a Hard Drive.

[newb]

Hi

Thing is i need to give it away functional or its no use to them.

Isn't there a simplified tutuorialanywhere that couldrun me through it

 

Sorry for my naivety

 

Cheers

[DSTM]

This gives you an idea what is involved.

This is a very good Video.

Once you put the Disc in you are on your own,till install finished.

 

YouTube - Reformating A Windows XP Computer

[newb]

Kool thats pretty helpfull

 

At what point do i need to install drivers?

[DSTM]

After installation and you have Desktop Screen.

Select Start > Right Click on My Computer > Select Manage > Select Device Manager.

Any that have yellow question mark,click on the + Icon and from the drop down,Right Click on,

and select "Update Drivers"

Follow the prompts.

Then go to manufacturers Site and get latest Drivers for Graphics Card

[newb]

Hi sorry its been a while kk found my xp disc, bought a harddrive, how ever when installing it gets to the hit enter to install, hit d to delete, hit c to do somthing and after a few seconds it freezes, ifget the chance to hit one of the keys e.g. enter it just freezes on that next screen. Any ideas?

Also thought it may be the plastic thing onthe hardrive for master/slave thing tried it in a few places but still the same problem

 

Any thoughts

 

Cheers newb

[Dalo Harkin]

SO this is an IDE cable then.

 

http://www.kids-online.net/learn/click/details/idecab.gif

 

 

Look at the example above ok, the very top is the Master, then the middle is the Slave and then it attaches to the MOBO.

You have to set the jumpers (the little plastic thing) to match what the cable is doing...

[newb]

Hi the picture isnt showing

 

Thanks

 

Newb