Old Laptop into New Laptop....Backup Programs!?

thetasigma1412 · 05 Feb 2014

Hello everybody,

I will try not to be too confusing, but I am sure this has been talked about, but I would like to see the options.

I have an Alienware (POS) that I am getting rid of, but it wont be until AFTER I sell it, that I will be getting a Dell XPS.

Question: I would like to retain ALL of my programs with ALL of my keys if possible, along with all the data I have had on my Alienware.

From what I read, if I clone the current drive, it would be buggy on the new laptop, and if I image it, it won't do me much help either. I did see that if I do a simple backup from Windows 7, that when I "restore from backup" on the new laptop (also running 7), that all my programs will be there from my old laptop as well?

Also, a follow up on the whole backup, when I backup to my Passport, it takes hours upon hours to hit 75%, and when it nears the end, it gives me an error message, stating the backup has failed.

If anyone could assist me, I am selling the Alienware soon, and would like my new one to have everything this one has.

Thank you!

fireberd · 06 Feb 2014

Most (if not all) of the programs will have to be reinstalled, you can't transfer programs. And, if any of the programs were OEM programs they are only legally licensed for the PC it was delivered with. e.g. the OEM version of Windows that was delivered with the Alienware is only for the Alienware. If the Ailenware has Microsoft Office that was installed by Dell, that is an OEM version.

You can transfer user data, e-mails, photos, music, etc.

I know this can be a hassle but its what has to be done.