Moving Windows 7 from old PC to new PC  

I currently own a Optiplex 745, and was just presented with the opportunity to trade in for a Precision T3500. My issue is moving the windows 7 OS from a 80gb hard drive (optiplex 745) to a 320 GB hard drive (T3500). I know I can image the Drive to move but how do I take into account the change in hardware as the T3500 has a Intel x58 chip set. I am very Technical and have been searching many forums with no real luck on finding an answer. One post talked about running Sysprep but does not state any steps to do so.

The reason for moving the OS instead of re-installing is becasue there is software, Norton internet security 2010 for one, that will not allow another activation of the software on the licence with out the hassle of calling them. I did that once and wish to avoid that. In addition I think it is easier to reactivate windows 7 with a change in hardware then a re-install.

Any info could help!

1. I assume this is a win7 retail license - a win7 OEM license you could not move
2. The image should work since you are going to a larger HDD
3. I don't see a problem with the chipset. You may have to get the proper ATI driver though
4. The Symantec people are always very helpful. That may be less trouble than MS - maybe.

You might have success cloning with some of the good freeware out there. The dissimilar hardware in your case may or may not throw fits. However, Acronis True Image 2010 with Plus Pack is designed to restore to dissimilar hardware.

Restore to Dissimilar Hardware Restore a computer to dissimilar hardware regardless of make, model, or installed components, or to a virtual machine.

Complete hard disk recovery solution, backup, drive copy, clone and image computer software

I use TI 2010 with Plus Pack but frankly I haven't needed to restore to dissimilar hardware yet. I see where Plus Pack is available free (when you purchase TI2010) through 3/31 (today).
Tom

eyarea51 said:

I currently own a Optiplex 745, and was just presented with the opportunity to trade in for a Precision T3500. My issue is moving the windows 7 OS from a 80gb hard drive (optiplex 745) to a 320 GB hard drive (T3500). I know I can image the Drive to move but how do I take into account the change in hardware as the T3500 has a Intel x58 chip set. I am very Technical and have been searching many forums with no real luck on finding an answer. One post talked about running Sysprep but does not state any steps to do so.

The reason for moving the OS instead of re-installing is becasue there is software, Norton internet security 2010 for one, that will not allow another activation of the software on the licence with out the hassle of calling them. I did that once and wish to avoid that. In addition I think it is easier to reactivate windows 7 with a change in hardware then a re-install.

Any info could help!

I done that before ..used a software from laplink called PCMOVER..with a data cable come with the software .. no problems .