Windows 7: Moving a W7 Install Between Partitions/Drives/Controllers ???

Is it possible to move my Windows 7 installation from the partition (both the Sys. Reserved & OS partitions) of one drive on one controller to the partition of another drive on a different controller, AND have it boot? I know "something" would have to altered, but I'm not sure "what" or "how". Any advice or is this even possible without going through a lot of hoops.


Specifically I have an installation of W7x64 installed on the 1st partition of the master drive on a PATA controller. I want to move it to the 1st partition of the master drive on my SATA controller.





FROM
PATA0 {sys reserved}{OS install}{data}

TO
SATA0 {sys reserved}{OS install}{data}

I also have another install on the 2nd partition of my SATA4 controller and want to move it to the 1st partition of my SATA0 controller

FROM
SATA4 {data}{sys reserved}{OS install}

TO
SATA0 {sys reserved}{OS install}{data}

Eithe rway I imagine if one scenario is possible then the other is.

You can clone or image the PATA over to the SATA drive. I would use the free Acronis cloning/imaging suite which comes free with any WD or Seagate HD if you have one. Otherwise use free Macrium - Image your system for maximum freeware flexibility.

With the SATA>SATA move you can just change the port, or if changing the partitions is important clone or image it over, too.

Whenever you clone or image be sure to include MBR and Track0, unplug all unrelated HD's and peripherals. Afterwards unplug all but target HD to start it. If it fails to start make sure SysReserved is marked Active, run Startup Repair 3 Separate Times .

Set preferred HD first to boot in BIOS setup. Boot the other using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

Awesome thanks for that.

Now a follow-up question: Let's say I have an Acronis backup of my SysRes/OS partition *while* they're in their original locations (SATA4/not-first-partition, etc). Would it be possible to restore the backup onto the desired new location and have it boot properly?

Yes, Acronis has the flexibility to reimage whatever you want almost anywhere.

I'd keep the original until it succeeds, though. You may need to repair it as given.

Remember to unplug the source HD during first boot and repairs.