Can I take my hard-drive (with WinXp already installed on it) out of my computer and put it into a completely different PC?

I've tried this in the past with poor results but I "think" I have more of an understanding now.

I'm guessing the reason it didn't work out so great last time is because WinXP was trying to use the old drivers from PC#01 on PC#02's hardware.

This is my crazy idea,

+ somehow delete ALL of my drives while hdd is installed on PC#01
+ hook hdd to PC#02 and boot it
+ place the WinXP disc in the CDROM and let it find most of the drivers
+ install modem driver and go online to install any remaining drivers.

Is my idea crazy or will it work? or is there a better way to archive what I'm trying without just installing the OS on PC#02+hdd

Hi once you put the hardrive in PC2 do this it will work

Configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM drive. For more information about how to do this, refer to your computer's documentation or contact your computer manufacturer. Then insert your Windows XP Setup CD, and restart your computer.
1.
When the Press any key to boot from CD message is displayed on your screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.
2.
Press ENTER when you see the message To setup Windows XP now, and then press ENTER displayed on the Welcome to Setup screen.
3.
Do not choose the option to press R to use the Recovery Console.
4.
In the Windows XP Licensing Agreement, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.
5.
Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected in the box, and then press R to repair Windows XP.
6.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Setup.

then download and instal additional drivers and updates

The key statement is .

This means you must have an XP Installation CD, not a Restore CD, Repair CD or Reinstall CD.

Thanks for the replies guys.

I was just looking for a down and dirty way of doing this. I know all about the repair feature. It takes as long as a full install.

This is not a huge deal or anything and will probably end up doing a full install.

I'm just curious though, where are the drivers located exactly, and would there be a way of deleting them all, also what would happen if you tried to boot a PC without drivers, would it freak out or would it ask you to insert your Win XP Disc and then copy them over?

The drivers needed are unique for every system.

If the destination PC is a store-bought system then you will have either received a Driver's CD when you bought the system or you will have to go to the PC manufacturer's web site and download them for the particular PC model.

If the dest. PC has an aftermarket motherboard then the drivers will be in a Driver Installation CD that came with that motherboard.

Drivers for plug-in cards come on a CD received when you purchased the card.

WinCrazy

Yes, I'm very well aware that drivers are unique for every system. I'm guessing your unaware that WinXP has thousands for generic drivers.

The whole idea of this thread was to somehow get rid of the drivers that were unique for PC#01 so that PC#02 would seek out the generic ones.

Once you have a running system that's "online" it's always easy to find the proper and most up to date drivers.

I know your trying to help and I do appreciate it. Also I apologize if any thing I'm saying is coming off sarcastic.

If my crazy idea won't work, it's no biggie, I'll just go through the extra effort of a clean install.