Windows 7: Having trouble restoring windows image on other pc

Hello everyone,

So I start with what I want to achieve is to make windows 7 with programs, configurations, custom wallpaper saved to an image file and then backed up on other PC. Sorry for not perfect English .

This is what I do:
Lets say we have two different PC's[PC1 and PC2](hardware totally different)
PC1 After preparing all my windows 7 (installing programs, configuring them, installing updates, activating programs and so on) I make my drive C:\ total image back up to external hard drive.
PC2 I Boot up windows 7 recovery startup and choose restore from image and then I put in external hard drive with usb and make it restored on my other computer. Everything looks fine, it finishes with no errors and then system restarts. When windows are finishing to show "Windows starting" screen, computer restarts instantly.
Then system autimatically suggests me to repair it, so ok then auto repairs are scaning and guess what it can't repair, because it finds some kind of problem with drivers, could be that they are incompatible with my new PC.

The question is how to make this work, how to fix issue that old PC's drivers are being loaded, maybe I am able to turn it off so default drivers are being loaded?
The reason why I want to make this work cause I want to use it for multiple computers.

Simple summary:
PC1 Windows Image backed up to external HDD
PC2 Windows Image restored from external HDD
PC2 Windows can't start because of driver error

Any ideas?

Welcome to the forum,

You need to do something like this,

Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer

Although you say you want to use that on several computers, you will need a separate license for each install.

There will be someone along shortly to help you with this more than I can.

I am reluctant to give any detailed tips. I have to be honest with you and say that it looks like you are trying to achieve something that is against End User License Agreement (EULA) of about every program you have installed, not to mention Windows itself.

You are openly telling you want to install and activate OS and apps on one PC and then move this image to be used on another PC, one license for OS and each app, simultaneously used on two PC's. Not willing to start a rant about morals and ethics I'll just say that it is not right and as such it should in my opinion not be encouraged nor helped by these forums.

Kari

I fully agree that what is being attempted is not legal.

That said, when you make an image it also stores the hardware configuration of the PC. When you try and restore it on another Computer that has a different hardware configuration, the restoration is likely to fail.

You can only perhaps restore it on another Computer with exactly the same hardware configuration as the PC from which the image was originally prepared.

Apart from the legalities, it just will not work. If it is not the drivers, it will be the activations which will kill it. No need to persue the idea.

Totally illegal, won`t work.

Perhaps we should ask OP: How do you plan to activate the reimaged copies of OS?

I move around ideal images to other machines all the time so am not assuming you are wanting to do something illegal. But you may not be aware that each installation requires a separate license.

We are cautious here because the forums' policy is zero tolerance of piracy or illegal activities.

Greg, as usual you are right, I think. I was concerned because the OP's choice of words:

In my opinion this clearly indicated OP thinks to activate only once, then use the image on another PC.

If I am wrong, as so often before, I am willing to admit it, apologize and help the OP as much as I can.

Kari

Can you boot succesfully in safe mode?
Are both disks IDE or SATA disks?

As told you before ... you have to have a valid license key for the new pc!! but that's not the reason of the problem

Boot your PC and press F8 every second so you see the boot options. From there select "disable automatic restart on system failure". Now your computer doesnt't restart automatically on crash. You see BSOD screen. This gives you more info about why it's crashing

Advanced Boot Options

Again ... you need a valid license!

Good catch and point, Kari.

In addition to having a license for each copy of Windows 7 you reimage, you may need to buy the Programs again if they are paid (Office, Photoshop, etc) software.

If you'll specify what paid programs you have we can help you learn how to deactivate them in your image correctly so they can be most easily reactivated on the reimaged machines with a fresh Product Key.