Replacing Hard drive??

[Moose]

Ok guys I need to replace the hard drive in my laptop. The one in there is making some weird noises. Anyway I realize if I want to save all my data I need to clone the old drive and then replace it with the cloned drive. I am currently running Windows Vista in the laptop which I dislike. Can I reload XP Pro on the new drive and use the Vista key code? I have a copy of XP pro but not a valid key code. This laptop is a Compaq C500. I would like to start over with just the operating system and get rid of all the other junk. Is there a way to clone just the Vista part of the drive? I've also thought of going LINUX. Is there a user friendly version of Linux that will run Chrome web browser?

Any help would be appreciated!!

[upnorth]

There are cases when that will work, but I am not sure with OEM licensing. You more than likely just want to back up data especially if you go with a different OS. A call to Microsoft will tell if it will work.

[delcecchi]

I have heard that ubuntu is pretty easy to use as Linux goes, and there are surely web browsers for it.

XP is getting pretty old, and since you don't have a key you are out of luck. Might as well buy win 7, although maybe you can find a copy of xp on the bay.

If you are going to install a new OS there is no cloning of disk. Just back up the files you want to keep, or all of them and figure it out later.

[DTro]

Pretty sure you can buy a Harddrive on ebeigh with the full system software preloaded, so basically its plug and play.

[Shack]

If you truly "clone" a drive using a program which clones, you clone the entire drive, bit for bit down to the MBR.

Ubuntu's latest from their homepage with Chromium is the best going right now. Ubuntu ships with FF, but within a couple minutes it is easily swapped with Chromium. Chromium is Chrome's Unix based browser. All bookmarks transfer and even extensions. You will want to install Flash from the repository right away for video.

Your copy of XP most likely will have the product key right on it or better said "installed with the OS". Pop it in a drive and see if there is a lingering .txt file with the serial key placed within it? If not, just try to install when you get the new drive.

Darren's idea is a great one. You will get Win7 and have exactly what you want. Get a 500gb and partition off a 100gb and install Ubuntu on it. Right before the little Windows Icon pops up after powering the laptop you will be prompted on which OS you would like to boot up each time. If you find Ubuntu is not your cup of tea, then write it over and turn it into storage.

[Moose]

dtro, thanks for the heads up but I'm not really finding anything with win7 preloaded on a hard dive. what should I be searching for? Also I see itunes is not compatible with Ubuntu. This is my Sons machine and he wouldn't be to happy with no itunes sync.

[delcecchi]

Load it yourself. Not hard.

[PierBridge]

We just had a successful purchase and installation via the web here at HSO... I wanna say Amazon?. I believe our HSO user ordered XP preloaded, everything went smooth and it was very affordable.

I'll See if I can find the thread!

[Dragonsm]

Not sure what your son uses the laptop for (other than itunes) but one thing to keep in mind for all kids.....(especially ones that are 30+ years old) is some of the new games that are coming will not work with XP. You are seeing a shift from support for directx9 to Directx11 and XP will begin phase out/support (I believe 2014 all xp support will be terminated)

I've been a busy boy lately, but I know I need to change out my xp OS for Win 7 when I finally get around to Battlefield 3. (works on vista and 7...but not xp..haven't checked the new COD specs yet either)

I'd say if you need to toss any money at an OS...take a look at Win 7...(technically, you could pick up a "builders" OS for about 125-135 for 64bit pro....home 32bit is even cheaper)

With the cost of a hard drive and an OS...if the laptop has seen better days....you can pick up a dell 15" laptop with 7 and a core I3 for 450-500 at best buy and other stores which might turn into a viable option also.