Old HardDrive in New PC

I was thinking of buying myself a Motherboard + CPU and using my old Hard Drive with the windows OS on it, since it's from a COMPAQ PC. Will this work?

are you going to try to put an aftermarket motherboard in a compac case? (it may not fit/different screw pattern)

i think they have nonstand everything including the power supply wiring configuration to go with their custom motherboard. (lucky if you dont fry whatever MB you get in)

if changing a bunch of hardware you almost always need to do a reformat and fresh install of the os/programs)

there are programs for transfering hd contents (aloha bob got good pc magazine ratings)

just popping the old hd with os and data/programs into a new invironment just seems to go bonkers.

according to every tech article i have read

Alright thanks, I'm just trying to save money... Nope I wouldn't use the Compaq Case or Power Supply.

you dont start saving money until the 2nd one you build as then you can transfer more parts. (but you do have fun)

i am building a second pc to network so i can trade with myself easier.

i have almost everything setting in antistatic baggies but did buy a new raid edition (5 yr warranty) Western Digital 250 gig hard drive for 117.50 to make sure the hd will last long enough to go into something else later.

and from Newegg,com of course

also a Lynksys WIRED router that will help keep the internet cooties away

Nice Another Neweggy. Just recently bought a comp for 2100 from there, just so i could play 2 accounts at one time :P

I already found a nice 300 gb drive which I will buy, I'm not a big fan of buying Windows OS, giving more money to evil Bill. (So funny watching that video of him getting pied in the face and nearly crying!) Good times!

Another thing to consider is your old HD probably is only a 5400 speed...far to slow for a new rig...the HD will end being you bottleneck if your are gonna get a killer system. Buy the other drive you mentioned and use this one just for storage like MP3's and movies. If at all possible get a SATA drive. ...Raptors if you got the extra cash.