Can I switch computers with my mom, without re-installing the OS's?

Question

My mom has an Dell XPS 720 (A really big gaming tower) and want's to switch with me (I have a smaller tower) Mine is a custom build. Her's has much more expandability than mine, so I have absolutely no problem with the swap.

She has Windows Vista Ultimate 32-Bit, and I have Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.

I want to swap the hard drives so that we can have a easy trade. Can I do this without having to reinstall the OS's?

I put her HD in my computer already for a test, and it got to the Vista loading screen with the green lines that go across, and then it acted as if I hit the reset button, and did another BIOS boot, and did the same thing. Is there a way to get around this? I know this has something to do with the Registry having information about the hardware in the computer, and it does not like my computer.

I am Cisco Certified, so feel free to use as much nerdy/tech talk as you like, I do know what im talking about! :)
The only thing is, is that in class, when we were switching computers and hard drives around, all the computers in the class were exactly the same, so we did not have these issues. :(

Oh well, I am sure there is a way I just don't know about!

Thanks! Happy Answering! Best answer gets 10 bonus points! :)

Jim · Accepted Answer

>The answer is no. The reason why is because the operating system is tied to the hardware - if you had exactly two computers with exactly the SAME hardware, the answer would be probably could.  Since you have two different operating systems and two different computers, the answer is, it won't work.

Karl · Answer

Once upon a time you could swap a HDD between computers because the install was generic.
That is no longer the case with today's Windows OS.

Two specific things that make each unique,  hers is 32bit, yours is 64bit.  An immediate red flag on compatibility right there.  

Today's OS installs, go through a lot of hardware interrogation and creates the OS files build list accordingly.

Being that hers is a DELL, there may be some physical hardware issues as far as how the MB lines up, cooling fan hood on the CPU, etc.

Anonymous · Answer

the least complicated way could be to easily replace the not elementary drives. you will not might desire to clutter with any of the OS's, regardless of the reality which you will might desire to establish the hot drivers. this won't artwork very properly in case you have been utilising an HP version of living house windows (additionally on Compaqs) and putting it on a non-HP workstation. although, in case you do opt to easily set up a sparkling Vista setting up, only set up vista on the hot workstation and form interior the code from the previous workstation. i assume Microsoft technically would not choose you to apply it on greater desirable than one workstation yet i would not say that that's illegitimate. it continues to be a criminal code. You paid for the activation code. you're actually not stealing.

Ryudeshi · Answer

No,  all the hardware drivers are different.  You may be able to get it to boot into safe mode and remove the old drivers and install all the new drivers manually, but it will be much easier to just backup your data and re-install windows.  You may run into many more problems down the line even if you do manage to get it to boot now.

Anonymous · Answer

gut each tower pulling all eventhe mother board and rebuild them that is the easiest way to do it.

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Can I switch computers with my mom, without re-installing the OS's?

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