Bad Computer, Good Drive, getting new computer, want to use good drive

Think Positive · 30 Nov 2011

My Dell XPS 400 Power Supply/Motherboard failed on me it was running a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate OEM. I purchased a new Dell XPS 8300. My hard Drive for the Dell XPS 400 is fine. I know from reading this forum that installing the Dell XPS 400 drive into the new Dell XPS 8300 would be a real crapshoot.

What would be the best method to get all my files and settings onto the new Dell XPS 8300? I have an internal drive enclosure that I could use, but not sure how to proceed. Any thoughts?

DustSailor · 30 Nov 2011

Positive, welcome to the Sevenforums!

Are you asking if we would know the best location for your drive or the bast way to keep all your settings and files?

This link will show you how to transfer from one drive to another using windows Easy Transfer: Transfer files and settings from another computer

But my guess is you want to keep your old hard drive OS and just add it to the new computer. You might consider saving important files to a USB drive and completely reinstalling Windows. Make sure you have the appropriate CD however.

There may be a another way, but I don't know it. Someone more advanced may have your answer. Wish ya luck.

Kari · 30 Nov 2011

Following this tutorial (Method 1) you can transfer your whole Windows installation to a new computer, including all installed software and your personal files and folders.

Remember though that as you have an OEM licence, it can not be transferred, so you need to get a valid Windows Ultimate licence.

Kari

ignatzatsonic · 30 Nov 2011

Think Positive said:

I purchased a new Dell XPS 8300. My hard Drive for the Dell XPS 400 is fine.

What would be the best method to get all my files and settings onto the new Dell XPS 8300? I have an internal drive enclosure that I could use, but not sure how to proceed. Any thoughts?

What files? Your personal data? Or your operating system from the old PC?

Normally, when purchasing a completely new PC that has an operating system already installed, the best tactic is to reinstall programs and to transfer personal data through a USB stick or by installing the old hard drive directly into the new PC--either permanently or temporarily. You could also use DVDs to transfer data. Or a cable connection.

I'd try to use the old drive as a backup drive--either internally or in an external enclosure---after I had copied everything I needed from it to the new PC's hard drive. The hard drive in the new PC is probably a better performer than the old one.

whs · 30 Nov 2011

If you want to make your life easy, reinstall the system and programs and move only your user folders. You can then use the HDD as an external disk with the enclosure - for backups, images and alike.

Kaktussoft · 30 Nov 2011

Is it possible to make a "system image" backup of all partitions of new disk? Backup to usb external drive. Just in case you have to go back. When you go back: restart from recovery environment (make a windows repair disk asap). enter command prompt:
DISKPART
SEL DISK 0
CLEAN
now restore from backup

So can always revert back to old situation!

After that clean the new disk with diskpart as explained above. Use clonezilla LIVECD (search google) and clone your disk. disconnect old disk and reboot from new disk.
Now remove old drivers and install new ones. They are on DELL-site, select your model/type and search for drivers