Windows 7: Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer

Well this looks like the only option at this point, but what I am facing now is the inability to get all the email messages, accounts, etc, how in the heck do you do that? I already tried and one account was put in the storage folders instead of the regular inbox.

lovely...

regarding my issue? or something you're trying. supposedly it should work but sometimes it doesnt, and in my case it didnt. I have custom built PCs.

I think maybe the method two and three should be reversed, being that its third party software. I mean if I woulda used option three, its a windows thing and probably easier to get repaired than third party apps. but what do I know.

good luck

ok regarding the custom install, it states that all of the previous files will be put in a folder called windows.old and can be accessible, so my whole intention was to move windows from one PC to the Other, cant I just do the same without having to re-install and use the hard drive as an "external?" or ?

ok going to do the following to get my PC back in working condition, see what happens:

1st: Custom Install Windows 7
2nd: Windows.old folder - Restore into a new installation

Bullfights, no you don't need to be in Windows to run repair installation. Just boot from install DVD and choose Upgrade option; that does a repair install leaving your stuff intact.



Randallrivy11, it should work. I have transferred a Windows setup from an HP laptop to a self assembled desktop using this method. However, as you can see here above, Bullfights having enormous problems, create first a system image to allow you to restore the system if something goes wrong.

Kari

Yep create that image first, though I think there should be two images created, the first one should be BEFORE you follow this tutorial, and a second one AFTER the sysprep is complete, this way you can go back to the original image. I think if i had done it that way I could have been back to normal by now.

oh well live and learn...

Well that didnt work, says: The computer started using the windows installation disc. Remove the installation disc and restart your computer so that windows starts normally (thats my problem it wont). Then insert the installation disc and restart the upgrade....etc....

hmm guess i will have to do something else....

great tutorial works flawlessly - tried all methods

Ian

Thanks for the Tutorial

Has anyone tried this with an Intel RAID0 Boot Partition?

I am just about to attempt a HDD move going from an ICH10R (X58 Chipset) created RAID0 Boot partion over to a new system with an ASUS P8Z68-M-PRO and the current Intel Rapid Storage Technology Controller.

I am hoping that as long as I update to the latest storage controller drivers before I make my move and follow the instructions for Method 1 that everything will be OK.

Am I on the right track here?

Just preparing my possible future defense case : I have never tried this on RAID systems!

Thinking logically, I would like to answer why not? But again, I think I would not like to do this, at least without really comprehensive precautions and backups.

If you decide to try, please let me know the end result, with all possible issues you met.

Kari

Well, I am about to give it a go now... drivers up to date, windows updates all installed, acronis backups performed to 2 locations...

Righto boys... see you on the other side!

things are not going as well as I had hoped.

I first experienced the error that Windows Media Sharing causes and moved past that successfully performing a generalization and shutdown.

The Raid Array was found in the new Machine and Booted into the Windows setup splash screen however it is producing an error "Windows could not finish configuring the system, to attempt to resume configuration, restart the computer. while the message "Setup is Starting Services" is displayed on the splash screen. In fact the error occurs shortly after that screen comes up ~1 second or so.

I was expecting some issues but rather with generalizing than first boot with new system. Using this method on RAID is so completely unknown territory for me that I have absolutely no clue, no ideas to suggest.

Might be better to restore backup image on old RAID and start thinking about Plan B?

I am sorry I can not assist you in any way.

Kari

thats cool - I found a resource on the web with some registry keys to edit to bail out of OOBE that stopped the problem and I am up and running however I fear that the early exit from OOBE is now causing my old user profile to be inaccessible. user is still there but it logs out as soon as you log on..

Either way - the Generalise and Raid move part worked fine. just other stuff got in my way!