best practice for disk images and easy transfer


  1. Posts : 7
    Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
       #1

    best practice for disk images and easy transfer


    Hi all,

    I just learned about windows easy transfer and that windows 7 can make a disk image natively without the need for third party software (joy of joys, dream of dreams). I just made a disk image of my drive, and I have some questions about restoring to different hardware.

    In the event of having to restore my disk image to a system with a different motherboard, is it best to boot off the recovery disc, load the image, then install the drivers for the new motherboard?

    Or is it best to do a clean install of Windows 7 from the install DVD, install the drivers for the new motherboard, and use easy transfer to pull all of my program files, settings, and documents from the disk image?

    Thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    Welocme
    I would use the second method. You will have a COMPLETELY new install. None of the old problems (if any) will be present.
    The big downside is easy transfer. Although, I and many others used it without problem, many had had problems. Best to have everything backed up, if important.
    I have used the second method, when I went from Vista to Seven and it worked 100%

    A new motherboard is considered a new computer, I thiink that your best best is method 2 and activate by phone so that you can explain.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 7
    Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks richc46!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #4

    You are welcome
    In addition when you install and asked for your key number do not give it
    Untick the box for automatic activation when online. Then within 30 days activate by phone. There may be a problem because of the MB, but if you explain you will be ok
    Activate Windows 7 by Phone
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 7
    Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks again richc46! Also, will Windows 7 make a new full backup disk image, or will it make an incremental backup when I go to make a new image?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #6

    System Image is new each time; image of HD
    Backup and restore (personal doucments) is incremental
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7
    Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Ah, I see. Thanks again!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #8

    Just a bit more than you asked, but hope that you can use
    Reinstall
    Activate, installl programs, now make an image and hide it
    Once a month make a new image and update the following month
    Have a problem you have a current image
    Big problem and you cant use the current; maybe virus etc
    Guess what, this is the point to find the one that you hid
    Good luck my friend and thanks for the very kind words and rep.
      My Computer


  9. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #9

    I agree with all of Rich46's comments especially the clean install to a totally new motherboard. (But not if was just a HDD swap over). Transferring your personal data is straightforward.
    I use the inbuilt windows imaging and have never had problems (touch wood) even restoring to a new HDD. But others certainly have. I recommend using a second imaging program as well. I use one highly recommended by forum users and it's free.
    Macrium Reflect free.

    There are tutorials on this forum for making and restoring Windows Images.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:05.
Find Us