New macbook pro - can i use my old hard drive?

Have a new MacBook Pro coming tomorrow to replace to an older MBP.  Everything is on the old HD and have been reading that I can switch the HDs out but would have to reinstall the operating system so all the different components from the new MBP are recognized and will be funtional.  Seems pretty easy but I don't want to screw it up thinking it's too simple so I want to see if there is a good way to pull this off or another way to do this.  My hope at the end of the process is that I have my files and software loaded on the old HD on the new MBP.  Any tips so I don't screw it up?

gregfrombedford wrote:
The old MBP has Snow Leopard 10.6 but likely is not at 10.6.8.  If I get an enclosure for the old HD can I update it to 10.6.8 if I boot the new MBP from the external drive?
Simple Run Software Update or go to the Apple download site and download the 10.6.8 Combo Update then run it. Your 10.6.x will be updated to 10.6.8. Then you should be able to connect that drive to your new MBP, either internally or by some type of SATA to USB adapter (enclosure or just an adapter), and boot the new MBP from that old drive.
Be aware that Lion does not run older PPC apps. So that is one big reason for running, installing, Snow Leopard on newer Macs.

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