Hi Fred.
I just updated an older Dell desktop to Linux Lite 2.4. It previously had Windows XP on it, no sense even messing with that right. I'm not sure why you would need to replace the HD unless it has issues or you just want something newer or faster. My suggestion obviously would be to get whatever info you want out of Windows and install LL on the entire drive. For wireless I don't know what you need for range but I have had great success with this dongle (Edimax EW-7811Un). I have used this dongle on several installs and it so far it has connected with every version of Linux I have tried with no problems at all. No wireless card needed, just plugs into a USB port. Linux Lite 2.4 also has two packages in the package manager for the problematic B43 Broadcomm cards and after installing those packages it has worked on three different Broadcomm cards for me. The Edimax dongle I got ship to store online at Walmart for $10 or so and I know Amazon has them. Walmart might even stock them now. Its VERY small, practically fits inside the USB port. Hope this helps Fred .......
I just updated an older Dell desktop to Linux Lite 2.4. It previously had Windows XP on it, no sense even messing with that right. I'm not sure why you would need to replace the HD unless it has issues or you just want something newer or faster. My suggestion obviously would be to get whatever info you want out of Windows and install LL on the entire drive. For wireless I don't know what you need for range but I have had great success with this dongle (Edimax EW-7811Un). I have used this dongle on several installs and it so far it has connected with every version of Linux I have tried with no problems at all. No wireless card needed, just plugs into a USB port. Linux Lite 2.4 also has two packages in the package manager for the problematic B43 Broadcomm cards and after installing those packages it has worked on three different Broadcomm cards for me. The Edimax dongle I got ship to store online at Walmart for $10 or so and I know Amazon has them. Walmart might even stock them now. Its VERY small, practically fits inside the USB port. Hope this helps Fred .......