Installing XP on HDD on Desktop then moving HDD to CarPC

**xbi0s** · 08-12-2008, 09:07 PM

Guys... I am looking for will this work with little hassle...

I wanted to put a 2.5" HDD in my CarPC to replace my failing and slow 3.5" HDD in my CarPC. I was going to buy a new one when I though... Why don't I just use one out of my old laptops... So I cracked open an old HP and took out the HDD. Standard SATA connectors on her, great!

My question now is... How easy/feasible is it to install my copy of Windows XP MCE onto this HDD on my desktop, then move the physical HDD into my CarPC. Assuming I have all of the appropriate drivers. Or... am I just asking for a headache?

I am doing this because it's just so much easier to install on the desktop and migrate it into the car.

Thanks!

**colin** · 08-12-2008, 09:16 PM

Typically, especially with Windows, you're expecting a headache when you try to migrate hardware. One or two things at a time isn't too bad, but when you're doing a whole new system?
If you install it as bare minimums, I've found it works better. IE: Installing TinyXP rev 6 works simply (just installs the drivers automatically) whereas a full XP install does not work whatsoever.
YMMV.

**xbi0s** · 08-12-2008, 09:19 PM

That's the answers I was expecting. Just trying to take a bit of a shortcut. I might just use a spare PSU and run a powersupply in the trunk with an extension cord to do it all. I really do not want to deal with removing the way I installed the box and whatnot.

**warnockm** · 08-12-2008, 09:58 PM

I've tried this a few times. When you transfer the HD over it the OS will find new devices on the motherboard and will install new drivers, usually found on the XP CD. After that, results are mixed. Sometimes it's worked fine, sometimes its been a mess. Since you want the CarPC to run as smoothly as possible, i wouldn't recommend it. On the other hand, i have taken an install on the CarPC, saved it to an image file and run it in VMWare on my PC with no problems. i use this to test changes, and as a backup in case i lose data on the CarPC.

**Woofnstuff** · 08-13-2008, 08:08 AM

if you are not getting faults at the moment with your car pc, you could just ghost (clone) the old drive to the new drive .. should take 15 or 20 mins tops and plug in and go.

assuming you dont have corrupt data already

**colin** · 08-13-2008, 11:05 AM

Images are definitely a good idea, even for future backups or upgrades.

I had my computer lying on a desk for 3 months (I bought the components before I bought the car!) so I had PLENTY of time to set up all the partitions and the software hacks. Now Im confident that when it fires up, all I need to do is transfer my music (will take a day) and the frontend software.