To start with, you can't just switch drives from one computer to another and expect it to boot to windows, unless the computers are the exact same make and model. You can put your C drive into the new computer and if you have a windows xp disc, do a repair install. If it asks for a product key, look on the case of the new computer for the sticker. If the new computer came with a HD and works, I'd just start transferring important data to it either with dvd or flash drives and eventually get it setup the way you like. The people that do a clean install are erasing the whole drive. Yes, a re-install will erase your entire C: drive, a repair install would leave your documents intact. You're going to need a windows xp disc to get started, also software needs to be installed to work, not just a simple transfer folders thing. You may be able to put your old C drive in the new computer, boot from the xp disc, go to the recovery console and fixboot or fixmbr and she may boot up. Don't know what windows genuine advantage or activation will do noticing your C drive has a different motherboard, video and ram.

Thank you randy_ca. I think I may end up doing what you and ravencajun do....just turning it off and disconnecting it for bootups and shutdowns. Two questions: 1)When I tried randy_ca's instructions to enter the BIOS, on the blue HP screen, nothing happens when I press F1 for Setup. Is there another way to get to BIOS? Or will I be better off just turning it off and unplugging it before booting? 2) Ravencajun - Oops, I was "practicing" the remove safely and messed up. I right clicked on the tray icon and chose "exit" thinking it would turn off the HD so I could use the remove safely and the icon disappeared. Can I get it back? Yes, I think I'll be happy with the addition of the external HD. My photos and docs feel so....so.....secure. :) Thank you both for teaching. Pam

Chris, we reused our GE Profile DD when we remodeled 2 yrs. ago. I also have my cooktop in my island and now have a GE monogram black glass(cleaning nightmare) cooktop. Originally, when we bought the house, the DD fan was installed inside the cabinet beneath it. We we remodeled, our contractor just put the duct work inside the cabinet and put the fan in the basement below with ductwork to the outside. I still have room in the cabinet for my recycle bin as well as my large stock pots. I like the arrangement much better and it is much quieter as well.

You're probably hearing about "local custom cabinetmakers". Sometimes you can get quality cabinets & service less expensively through a local custom cabinetmaker, but not always. There is a lot of misleading information out there that makes it sound like all local custom cabinetmakers are less expensive and of higher quality than larger manufacturers (like Bertch, Omega, etc.) What's the real scoop? Some local custom cabinetmakers are less expensive Some local custom cabinetmakers have as good as or even better quality Some local custom cabinetmakers are good installers, businessmen, etc. Unfortunately, you may not find all of the above in the same cabinetmaker! All of this is regional as well...not just the availability/cost/quality/service of local custom cabinetmakers, but also the availability/cost/service of those from the larger manufacturers (quality should be the same, regardless of location for manufacturers). Here's the "blurb" I usually post when people start asking about "local custom cabinetmakers": Just a word of caution..."local (custom) cabinetmaker" is thrown around here a lot with the implication they are all superior to or at least as good the various cabinet manufacturers. Some may be, but there is no guarantee. "Local custom cabinetmaker" does not necessarily equate to "high quality" or "low cost". There are many very good custom cabinetmakers out there, but there are many not-so-good ones as well. Just b/c someone is a "custom cabinetmaker" does not make him/her a good cabinetmaker. And, it's not just their skill at cabinetry...how are their business skills? E.g., How are they at meeting schedules? Do they stay within the cost they quote you? How do they deal with issues? What is their warranty? What recourse do you have if they drop the ball? Sometimes you can go "over the heads" of people at cabinet stores or even go to the manufacturer (at least for warranty issues), but you might not have that option with a local cabinetmaker. If you go this route, be very diligent in your research for the specific cabinetmaker(s) you are considering (they are not all alike): Contact several recent references, including at least one who had problems so you can see how the cabinetmaker handled those problems. Ask about: How was the cabinetmaker at keeping to the schedule s/he promised? Did the cabinetmaker stick pretty close to the cost estimate s/he gave them (no hidden fees, undeclared upgrades, etc.)? Did the cabinetmaker let them (the customer) see a sample of their cabinet door w/finish for approval of the finish, quality, etc. prior to completing the entire order? How did the cabinetmaker handle construction issues? How did the cabinetmaker handle installation issues? Contact several not-so-recent references, ask them how their cabinets are holding up (joints, face frames, drawers, doors, finish, etc.). Try for some at least 5 years old and at least 10 years old....