NZFF

Can I simply take out the two hardrives from my PC and stick them in another PC, while taking the sole HDD out of that one, then putting it into my current PC. Also, can I keep all the programs/operating systems on each computer without having to reinstall anything or fiddle with the BIOS or whatever...?

dont quote me on it, but i dont think ya can.

You'll probably find Windows doesn't work as it will know it's been transferred into another machine. I did this procedure through a computer store, and though they tried by ringing Microsoft, I had to purchase a new version of Windows. Basically the average computer you buy from places like Noel Leeming etc doesn't come with Windows disks (is it OEM version?) and that particular Windows you have installed is only licenced to that particular machine. Windows will know you've changed machines, and won't be able to be registered without getting a new version.

The last 2 or 3 times i reinstalled windows xp it auto activated i.e. i select internet activate and it does the rest. The first time with a new hhd we had to call MS to get a phone key, but from then even with a new hard drive it didn't ask to reactivate. maybe with vista out microsoft don't give a damn anymore

well, i dont see any reason why it wouldnt work. It would start up, then it should go through all that "Found new hardware" wizard stuff. Thats what it did when i put the families comp hdd into my computer. Every time you change hardware, it usually needs re activating

It's doable, but windows will more than likely throw a fit the first time you start up as it will start detecting all the 'new' hardware... I'd have the install disk and/or an internet connection handy if I were you...

To be honest, I would not recommended this as the system is bound to be in less than optimal condition afterwards...

My Two Cents

Have done this many times hand had it work and fail many time, if the motherboards have the same chipset there is a chance it will work, lots of new devices will be detected have driver disks handy. Window will need to be reactivated if it is an OEM copy of windows you will be breaking the licensing agreement.

The Reason it doesn't work normally is due to windows expecting a different hard drive controller it is a bit hid and miss, even if it doesn't work if you still have the windows cd a repair install can be done if you know what your doing its very easy if you don't be very careful you could really mess up your data on the HDD.

Window Licensing , 99% of all computer bought have an OEM Licence this licence is only for the computer that windows was first installed on. If you change the motherboard Microsoft will then class this a different computer and you will need to purchase another licence for Windows.