Let's say you've got Windows XP configured just the way you want it. You've got tons of applications on your computer and each of them has been tweaked to suit your needs. You spent hours and hours getting everything fine tuned just for you. Later on, you built a new PC and moved your existing hard drive into that super fast computer. You screwed it into place, hooked up the cables, turned on the machine and ended up with a big blue Windows "stop error" screen. You rebooted, checked your BIOS settings, and tried again. Same thing! Now what? Are you going to have to competely re-install everything?
Unlike Windows '98, which would simply boot back up and start finding all your new hardware, and ask for drivers in the process, Windows XP goes into shock when you try to start up an old configuration in a new computer. The solution is to go back into the BIOS setup and make the CDROM drive the first boot device, insert the (original) Windows XP CD (this won't work with a recovery CD) and allow the computer to boot from the CD drive (You'll be prompted to press a key to boot from the CD). Once the Windows setup screen appears, pick the option to setup Windows XP now, by pressing the Enter key.
After some more files load, you'll be presented with a screen that shows your current Win' XP installation.
You'll be given the option: To repair the selected Windows XP installation, Press "R". Do so. (DON'T HIT THE "ESCAPE" KEY OR YOUR EXISTING INSTALLATION WILL BE WIPED OUT) You'll be asked to enter the product key that comes with your XP CD and then setup goes on it's merry way. Eventually, the computer will reboot, but this time when you're promted to "Press any key to boot from CD" don't do it.
Windows setup will now boot from your hard drive. Keep watching the screen prompts and follow as needed.
Once your re-installation has finished you can install the drivers for your new motherboard, video card, etc.
All your original settings and software should be preserved. Realize though, that you will still need to activate Windows by web or phone just as though it were a fresh installation.
Formatting: Format drive C in XP or Windows 2000 and erase all data