I have a desk top With XP Pro. I have a new Lap top with XP Pro only.

I need to clone my desktop onto my laptop. I have an external hard drive that I can use to restore my desk top unto the lap top. I realize that A new mother board will mess up my MS licensing, but perhaps I can insert the new license # and be okay.

Another option is by using an ethernet crossover cable to tranfer data.

another option is a transfer software program, I believe the program will only tranfer transferable files and programs leaving me to reinstall the rest.

I could really use some advice as to the best way to proceed. Perhaps someone has a better way?

Use the crossover cable and the built in transfer program in XP. This will transfer personal data and settings from your desktop to the laptop.
Start\Programs\Accesories\System Tools\Windows Easy Transfer Service
As far as I know, there are no programs that will transfer the programs from your desktop to the laptop, you will have to reinstall them.
There should be no issue with your Windows License, since you won't be making hardware changes to the laptop.

Thanks,
I will use your suggestion.

Hello, thats bull. Use ACRONIS programs and you can move all your information from your former laptop or other computer to an external HD, then using the same ACRONIS program you can reload all the programs including the registry to the new computer!!!
Have done so several times and believe me it works and all one has to do is to 1. start up = 10 minutes, 2. do the transfer of cables and start reloading= 10 ninutes. Instead of hours-days of work loading all the programs again. OK there is the same dirt ( old unusable files etc ) that was on he older computer but there are several fine cleaning programs that RAY sells that will do most of the cleaning.

I chose to install my programs on the new computer and then transfer all my settings and files etc. It took about a week. I also have imaging programs but chose not to go the easy way. The image would have tranferred everything including the old operating
system and license??? while the new system is properly licensed and had newer things added that I chose not to replace. I also had backups that would have allowed me to selectively restore. But again I chose to do it the old way and have had no problems.
But thanks for the feed back.

I have the Laplink Transfer program to move a system from one computer to another. You can use a special Laplink cable for the task, or do it over the local network. While it took about an hour to make the transfer, all the drivers for the new computer remained in place, as did the license for the Windows 2000. It cost about $24 for the program, but the time saved made it worth the expense.

I also used such a program, it took longer because I had a lot on my old computer.
You are right the technique leaves the new drivers, operating system etc. intact.
I was pleased with the results. I also took the opportunity to evaluate new replacement programs so that also slowed me down but was useful.