New computer + old hard drive... will I lose my data???

My old macbook is going to be replaced with the new core 2 duo macbook. I took out my hard drive so that when the new computer shows up at my door, I can pop in my old hard drive.
The problem is, I didnt backup my data. When the new computer comes, will i have to reformat the olf hard drive and as a result lose all my data????
help! I am worried....

There are a couple of different ways this transfer could be handled.
1. Backup all your data and files to a different hard drive. When your new MacBook arrives, copy your data from that drive manually. (This may not be an option since you don't have a working computer to backup from.)
2. Put your current hard drive in an external case and use the Migration Assistant to copy the bits and pieces you choose to the new computer. Or manually drag and drop your files over. The Migration Assistant is normally used if you have an older Mac and you're upgrading and you want to copy all your files over to the new Mac (this can be done from an external hard drive and not just a working Mac). The assistant will ask you what you want to transfer over, users and their files, network settings and/or applications. You can pick and choose between those options and even pick and choose in between different users on the same hard drive (if you have more than one).
3. Put your current hard drive into the new MacBook. It won't startup correctly, but you could then boot from your Mac OS X install disk that comes with the new MacBook, install Mac OS X as a simple "update" or an "archive and install". Obviously, you don't want to chosoe an "erase and install". And then continue to use your original drive in the new MacBook. This option is probably the most risky. While I've done something similar in the past, I haven't always had the best luck with an "update" over the top of a different build of Mac OS X. An "archive and install" will move your current System folder to a "previous" System folder and install a new System folder. You have the option to keep your user files and network settings if you choose to. Bear in mind, this path does not leave you with a backup of all your files in case something does go wrong and you must erase & install.
-Doug

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There are a couple of different ways this transfer could be handled.
1. Backup all your data and files to a different hard drive. When your new MacBook arrives, copy your data from that drive manually. (This may not be an option since you don't have a working computer to backup from.)
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3. Put your current hard drive into the new MacBook. It won't startup correctly, but you could then boot from your Mac OS X install disk that comes with the new MacBook, install Mac OS X as a simple "update" or an "archive and install". Obviously, you don't want to chosoe an "erase and install". And then continue to use your original drive in the new MacBook. This option is probably the most risky. While I've done something similar in the past, I haven't always had the best luck with an "update" over the top of a different build of Mac OS X. An "archive and install" will move your current System folder to a "previous" System folder and install a new System folder. You have the option to keep your user files and network settings if you choose to. Bear in mind, this path does not leave you with a backup of all your files in case something does go wrong and you must erase & install.
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Hi,
Simply put, If I erase the imac hard drive will i lose my Discussion ID
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Thanks.
Eme.

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http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1848
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New computer + old hard drive... will I lose my data???

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