Backing Up Programs to Transfer to New Computer


  1. RawrDuy
    Posts : 1
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #1

    Backing Up Programs to Transfer to New Computer


    My dad and I are planning to switch computers and he would like to transfer all of his programs, software, and folders to my computer. With that, we would just simply have to switch hard drives. We could always set up a new OS and reinstall all of the components and drivers manually. Is there an efficient way of keeping all of his programs and folders while still be able to reinstall a new OS? Or would he have to reinstall all of them? We have an extra external hard drive at hand in case if we need it for backing up

    Thanks!
      My Computer
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  3. theog
    Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       New #2

    Can you post the specs for both PC's.
    Filling out System Specs
    Dont Know What Hardware You Have..??
    VistaForums SysInfo Tool - Vista Forums


    Take a look at this tutorial:
    Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer
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  4. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       New #3

    If you reinstall the OS, you have to reinstall all programs. Same if you move to an OS on another computer. There is no correct way to backup programs because it does not only involve the program files, but also registry settings, .dlls, etc.
      My Computer
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  6. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #4

    In order to transfer your install to different hardware you have to remove the drivers, activation and other coding that will make it unable to start otherwise on new hardware.

    This is a way to do that with a program built into the Win7 installation DVD: Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer
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