removing devices

[mikemean]

Before I put my HD into the new comp, should I delete all the devices in the device manager?

[Joint Chiefs of Staff]

Hey Mike,

I recommend you formatting and doing a clean install. Just so your new computer by chance gets a little confused with the H/D's prior hardware components on the OS It could be a pain if you don't. Just my opinion.

P.S. don't forget to backup the essentials...mail, favorites folder etc.

[blebs]

Originally posted by GoldenSpoon
Hey Mike,

I recommend you formatting and doing a clean install. Just so your new computer by chance gets a little confused with the H/D's prior hardware components on the OS It could be a pain if you don't. Just my opinion.

P.S. don't forget to backup the essentials...mail, favorites folder etc.

I tend to agree. It makes for less headaches later.
Be sure you have the Product keys for those products that, if your like me, you forgot to back up.

[BaLa]

yeah format..

or if you don't have a CDRW bjust mover all your important stuffs to a dir.. (backup for ex.) and deletet everything else..


if you do it right it works as good as a format..

[Norm]

Originally posted by mikemean
Before I put my HD into the new comp, should I delete all the devices in the device manager?

It would be best for you to explain what your intentions are first Mike.

Are you just adding this new drive as a slave for extra space, or are you intending to copy your other drive onto it and use it as your main drive. (booting to windows) ?

Or something all together different. ?

[blebs]

Originally posted by mikemean
Before I put my HD into the new comp, should I delete all the devices in the device manager?

I don't think you need to delete from device manager. When I installed my DVD-ROM I didn't and it automatically detected, so I think your all right there.

[BaLa]

hmm
norms and blebs99's second reply made me think now..

I thought you were asking this question for when u get in your mobo...
??

[mikemean]

Ok, what I am planning on doing is taking my existing HD and moving it to the new puter I am going to build. It's the only HD I have so I figure I can just plug it in after I get everything assembled.

*D'OH*--I just realized that if I wipe out everything in the device manager BEFORE I put the drive in the new puter that windows would automatically re-install stuff after I wipe it out. SO, how about putting the drive in the new puter THEN wiping everything out and let windows do it's device detecting?---Am I right about this??? I DO NOT want to format.

[Norm]

Ok, Blebbs and BaLa seem to know more about what you're doing lately re: new mobo and puter.

A format and fresh install is your best option. Hands down.

What you are thinking of doing can work, but it can also go haywire on you too. You can remove the devices, or leave them there, I don't think it will make much difference.

You could try your way first, hell why not.
If it doesn't work out, you can do the fresh install.

Can't beat a fresh install

[jlwggns]

mike, i'm wanting to do the same thing.

i would suggest going into system properties then hardware profiles and then make a copy of the original configuration file.

this will allow you to reboot and choose which configuration file you want to load.

either edit the original or reboot and then select the second file to edit deleting what drivers you want.

shove the drive in the new mobo and try using the edited file and see if windows will load the drivers for the new board.

if that doesn't work make a copy of the original, boot up let windows load the drivers for the new board then delete the old drivers.

you will still have the original file saved to revert back to if you want to put it back in the old puter for some reason.

i think i would edit the file first then try it that way none of the old drivers will remain in case you miss deleting one after the new drivers are loaded.

well i may be out in left field on this but that's what i've been thinking i would have to do anyway.

perhaps the guys will tell me i'm a nut and don't know what i'm talking about but at least gotta try.

i sure would only reload windows as a last resort.

[Chris]

If your gonnado that Mike I would suggest having the Cab files on the hard drive before you move it in case it needs to load drivers for the IDE. Tried that once from a BX mobo to a VIA chipped mobo and I didn't have the cabs on the drive, what a nightmare

[mikemean]

Good tips. Hopefully it won't be too bad. Like I said, windows should see the new devices and then ask for the drivers. So hopefilly it all goes well. *crossing fingers*