I'm getting a new computer, but I don't feel like reinstalling all the software I have. Is it possible to stick in my old hard drive, run the windows install again with the CD, then still have all my software without a format?

No it would be possible, as the computer you are transferring the Windows install to will have different hardware, so Windows will need to be re installed.

Hello dasurage, welcome to PCHF.

Sorry for the bad news, but it's absolutely 100% not possible to put your hard drive into another PC, and expect it to work there. Windows (or at least NT, 2000, XP and Vista) will only work on the hardware (specifically the same or very very similar motherboard) that was installed on in the first place, in order for it to work.

Evan after installing a second copy of Windows on the same hard drive (as you suggested) will not work either. The Windows you install will still be a clean install with the necessary libraries and registry entries installed on the other installation of Windows.

I'm afraid you have your work cut out for you Dasuraga, just like the rest of us when we have new PC's!

That's too bad. I thought that at least the registry entries could port themselves over. Will I have to format to reinstall ?

Yes you will have to

Marked as Answered.