Transfer or Install OS to new hard drive

Discussion in 'All other Operating Systems' started by TechLearner, Apr 24, 2012.

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  1. TechLearner Bronze Member

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    Ok. I have another issue which is kindof a followup of my previous post.

    How can I install my Windows XP operating system from one hard drive to another hard drive with Linux already installed? Before you answer that, here is my scenario. I have one hard drive that can be connected at any given time. I can only boot with a Live CD of Zorin LIve and I have an external drive. Could I use a Disk Image...but would n't I need a 150 GB disk for that ???

    TechLearner, Apr 24, 2012
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  2. Crush Administrator & Security Team Leader

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    Hi,

    This is not possible for several reasons. Chief among them:
    • The OS installed on the drive is for the hardware configuration of the machine you pulled it out of
    • It is authenticated for that hardware only
    • Once authenticated (if non-OEM) it would need to be deauthorized for that license to be usable again on another machine
    • You'd be messing with partition tables which will likely brick your install of Linux if not done correctly
    Crush, Apr 24, 2012
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  3. TechLearner Bronze Member

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    So, what can I do if I want a system with two operating systems on one hard drive? I have one SATA drive that works. I have two operating systems that will not boot, though they have before. I can boot to ZorinLive CD, but have no access to Internet, for my modem does not recognize this (though, it has before). With my previous post, I mentioned when I boot to the Windows XP drive I receive grub rescue> and when I boot to Linux drive I receive nothing.
    TechLearner, Apr 25, 2012
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  5. Wolfeymole Elite PCHF Werewolf

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    Wolfeymole, Apr 25, 2012
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  6. Crush Administrator & Security Team Leader

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    Do you have a Windows reinstall CD? Can you get one? We may be able to rewrite the Master Boot Record so you can boot to XP, but it may also brick your machine
    Crush, Apr 25, 2012
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  7. TechLearner Bronze Member

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    What is brick my machine mean? If possible, I would like to end up with the XP installed on the other drive with Linux Zorin. The XP drive is 250 GB and the other is 500GB with Linux. I have an external drive as well.
    TechLearner, Apr 25, 2012
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  8. TechLearner Bronze Member

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    Sorry, I can possibly get a XP CD. Will any XP CD work? My original did not come supplied with one.
    TechLearner, Apr 25, 2012
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  9. Crush Administrator & Security Team Leader

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    Yes, any XP CD will work for this.

    "Brick your machine" means it will put it into a non-working state
    Crush, Apr 25, 2012
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  10. Wolfeymole Elite PCHF Werewolf

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    If the XP disk is OEM and has already been installed on another system then you cannot use it.

    If the XP disk is Retail then it needs to be removed from the original machine before reinstallation on any other machine but this has already been explained.
    Wolfeymole, Apr 25, 2012
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  11. Crush Administrator & Security Team Leader

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    For installing the OS, yes. Not for replacing the MBR
    Crush, Apr 25, 2012
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  12. Wolfeymole Elite PCHF Werewolf

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    Well unless I've misread then TL wants to do a brand new install as the original disk had the linux grub on it.
    Wolfeymole, Apr 25, 2012
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  13. TechLearner Bronze Member

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    Is the Linux GRUB on the disk with XP or Linux...??
    TechLearner, Apr 25, 2012
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  14. Wolfeymole Elite PCHF Werewolf

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    Linux.
    Wolfeymole, Apr 25, 2012
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  15. Crush Administrator & Security Team Leader

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    Replacing the Master Boot Record that has GRUB entwined will render the Linux partition useless but get you back into Windows
    Crush, Apr 25, 2012
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  16. TechLearner Bronze Member

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    What if I just delete or format the Linux drive and reinstall it later after I try to put XP on it. I would just try to figure out how with XP on the other drive. Remember I have only one SATA drive and an external drive. Two hard drives with only one available.
    TechLearner, Apr 25, 2012
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Transfer or Install OS to new hard drive

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