Win 7 Pro 64bit questions

[a-10tankkiller]

I have a Dell Dimension 8300(an old fart, like me) which I'm running Win XP pro. I installed a new hard drive with no OS and am wondering if I can use this computer to install Win 7 Pro 64 bit on the newer hard drive? I intend to copy pics, email, etc over to it and eventually use it for a new computer. I know there are hardware conflicts with the Dell 8300 and Win 7, but the new hard drive is compatible, but I am unsure and haven't found a good answer whether that means I could use the current computer to install on the newer HD, copy files that are compatible, and then use it in a new computer.
Again thanks for any input.

[Devhux]

More than likely it will not work. If the hard drive controller is different on the newer computer, Windows 7 will simply bluescreen upon booting up.

Even if it did work, it's generally not a good idea to swap over a Windows installation from one computer to another due to hardware/driver differences.

[cruelpupet]

If you want to use the old PC to copy over files, just create 2 partitions on it, and place the files on the second partition.

But you wouldnt install the OS on that drive

[Napoleon54]

If you want to use the old PC to copy over files, just create 2 partitions on it, and place the files on the second partition.

But you wouldnt install the OS on that drive
:stupid:

That's what I'd do too. Split your new drive into 2 partitions. Set up one as maybe 50GB or so for a future Win7 install and the second one (whatever's left on the drive) for file storage. Example: if it's a 500GB drive, then 50GB for future OS and ~450GB for storage. Transfer your files to the storage partition and just ignore the OS partition for now. When you build your new system, install Win7 on empty 50GB partition and your files will be waiting for you on the storage partition.

[a-10tankkiller]

Thank you! I'll go with the partitioning plan, and copying files for now.