Can I change System properties without reinstall

[mcrgwb]

I copied a large amount of the content of my Compaq HDD to my HP Pavilion in order to get all apps etc. transfered. This was done over a network connection. I was more successful than expected and everything worked with 2 exceptions.

I apparently over-wrote the read/write CD installation on the HP with the Compaq non-R/W installation. The R/W CD functions in read mode ok but has no write capability. I tried removing the CD from the hardware list and letting it reinstall but evidently the proper drivers are gone. I have a Pavilion recover disk which should allow me to reinstall the needed drivers but herein lies the second problem.

When I right click, select properties on My Computer on the Pavilion, the properties show the Compaq logo and state that the PC was manufactured and supported by Compaq.... NOT. All other properties appear correctly. The problem is, the Pavilion recover disk refuses to start and issues the message, "This CD is for use on an HP Pavilion only!" If I can get the Pavilion to believe it really is a Pavilion, I think I can run the disk and recover my CD R/W capability.

Does anyone know how to get the poor Pavilion to stop thinking it's a Compaq Presario?

Thanks!

 

[cdogg]

You should never copy apps or any part of the registry from one pc to another. This is because specific hardware configurations are stored throughout the registry and many other areas within Windows.

It is ok to copy data (i.e. Word docs, music files, etc...) BUT NOT applications (or any system folder under the Windows directory).


My suggestion: Backup any data you want to keep if you still can, format the drive on the Pavilion, and reinstall Windows.

Of course, if you don't have the cd's for each application that you want to keep, this might not be what you want to hear. There are other ways to get around your sticky situation, but you may run into problems down the road if you don't start with a fresh load. Consider your options carefully...

 

[Guest_imported]

mcrgwb

Sorry to hear the trouble you are in. I build a new machine just
last week-end and was luck enough to copy all stuff to the new
hdd. I plug the new hdd as the d: in the old machine, set the
display in the old machine to normal vga, XXCOPY everything
from c:\ to d:\, move the new hdd into the new machine,
set up the vga, sound card, ethernet and bingo!!!! Maybe I am
in luck....