NOT a "how to" question, but a backup question

[DSLAM]

Assuming I make a full back up, like a total clone of my Suse system from my dual boot (XP) system, or, if I just remove the hard drive, and I build a completely new computer (forget about Windows at this point) will I be able to just plug the HD in and be able to boot up? I would have to recompile the kernel right? Or would it make necessary changes by itself when booting up in the new system? I know with Windows this is basically impossible because of the way it handles the Hardware Abstraction Layer. I'm not sure about Linux though.
It's just that I have put a lot of time and tweaking into my Suse 10.2 system and I dont want to have to start from scratch, reinstalling and retweaking all the stuff in the new system.

[kahoona]

I haven't done that before but what I have done is install a new system and then copy over the /etc, and /home directories from the old server to the new one with some success. If you are going to try the harddrive swap, I would suggest you make a good back first.

[devils casper]

will I be able to just plug the HD in and be able to boot up? I would have to recompile the kernel right? Or would it make necessary changes by itself when booting up in the new system? I know with Windows this is basically impossible because of the way it handles the Hardware Abstraction Layer. I'm not sure about Linux though.

you dont need to recompile kernel or anything like that. most of the time it works except graphics problem. if new machine has different graphics card you have to configure it first. its easy to configure graphics.