I knew about the NTFS / fat32 versions so that's why I installed xp on a fat32 partition on the laptop in case I need some file I can download it from the net and then copy it to xp or the other way to save my data before reformating or reinstalling xp
I have NTFS now on the pc and I don't notice any difference
This thing about not being able to swap hard drive with xp to a new computer
was new information for me. At least I found out about it now and prepare ahead of time

The backup I heard about it but I haven't done it and I am not sure how it's going to help if it's a mechanical failure of the hard drive