[SOLVED] Laptop HDD to Desktop, does not automatically set up

[Nickjoshuablock]

I have a laptop HDD that I want to move to a desktop with the information I want to keep. I tried doing this on my main computer and it worked with just a few updates, however, an older system I intend to place it in does not boot (Boot Error - Insert Disk). I tried the Windows installation media and made a recovery USB, but they don't work. These are the steps I took.

• Updated BIOS
• It POSTs
• Tried every SATA port
• Windows installation media - cannot repair
• Installed Ubuntu on a small SSD and worked
• Installed Windows on a small SSD and worked
• Tested Ram

Specs on Main Computer: ASUS m5a99fx pro r2, AMD fx8350, 2x4gb DDR3 ram, GTX 970
Specs on Laptop (HDD): HP Notebook, some AMD CPU with integrated graphics, 4x2gb SODIMM DDR3 ram
Specs on "target" computer: ASUS M2N SLI, AMD phenom x4 9850, 2x2gb DDR2 ram, Radeon r9 360

I'm thinking it has something to do with the motherboard. Is it too old? Maybe drivers cannot be found. If you need more info, I'll be happy to provide more.

 

[onespeedbiker]

Trying to move a hdd drive from one PC to another is a hit and miss proposition. It either works, doesn't work, or it boots, but your chasing problems for weeks/months. The first time it worked, but with another PC it didn't and it is dubtful your going to find a way to make the second PC work with the OS drive from your laptop; there is just too much of a difference.

 

[Alabalcho]

Just assume that you can't boot from laptop drive (with Windows installed and configured as for that laptop) on another system (laptop or desktop). You can use that drive, however, as a data drive, even with old Windows install on it taking space.

 

[onespeedbiker]

There are a few things you could try. First, how is the laptop BIOS set up? Is it Legacy/CSM or GPT? Is the PC setup so it is the same? Use a hdd enclosure to attach the hdd to a working computer and try running https://neosmart.net/EasyBCD/ EasyBCD which will rewrite your BCD so it may boot. I don't really recommend this as a solution as you will probably experience a lot of problems even if it does boot, but as a problem solving task it would interesting to see one could make it just boot.