Windows 7: Help deciding to backup\restore to new system

LM2008 · 16 Nov 2011

I have only a laptop for use and i'm thinking to buy a desktop or a new laptop, both with Windows 7 Home Premium 64b, the same OS my current laptop has. My question is if it's possible to create a data backup (not system image) to backup my current installed programs, files on my documents, videos and picture folders..etc. and restore them to the new computer? and in the event that is possible, do i have to rename the my computer as the old one?

or should i use "Windows Easy Transfer" ?

ignatzatsonic · 16 Nov 2011

You can't "backup" installed programs unless you use an image.

If you buy a new PC which already has Windows installed on it, you likely would not want to restore an image from another machine anyway.

If you buy a new PC, you should be prepared to re-install your programs.

You can backup your personal data without an image---most commonly to an external drive or to a USB drive.

Here is a tutorial on Easy Transfer. Personally, I have not had any good luck with Easy Transfer, but your mileage may differ. You should definitely make a backup of your personal data regardless.

Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers

essenbe · 17 Nov 2011

ignatzatsonic is correct in everything he said. You can backup and restore your user folders to the new machine (documents, pictures videos ect.) You just need to back them up to an external hard drive or CD/DVD, or USB stick. Add them back to your new computer in the proper places. There are programs that will do it for you, but copy/paste works just as well.

Windows 7: Help deciding to backup\restore to new system

Help deciding to backup\restore to new system problems?