Can a Windows 7 System Image be restored to computer with 8.1 OS?


  1. Posts : 53
    Windows 7 32-bit
       #1

    Can a Windows 7 System Image be restored to computer with 8.1 OS?


    I'm pretty sure a Windows Vista Backup can be restored to another computer using Windows 7 operating system. How about a windows 7 Backup being restored to a Windows 8.1 machine? Will I get the same exact screen on the computer with the 8.1 OS as I did with the computer running Windows 7? Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #2

    The Windows 8.1 is EFI/GPT. The Windows 7 is BIOS/MBR. First thing you have to do is convert the disk to MBR (from GPT). Then to run W7 you have to disable Secure Boot and set Legacy mode in the BIOS.

    Will I get the same exact screen on the computer with the 8.1 OS as I did with the computer running Windows 7?
    I am not sure I understand what you are looking for.

    Btw - if the image was taken with Windows 7 imaging, you will have to use a W7 Recovery/Restore disk to initiate the recovery. And that will only work in legacy mode with secure boot off.

    If the image comes from another PC, you will get driver problems and if the W7 is an OEM system, it will not activate.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 53
    Windows 7 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I am not sure I understand what you are looking for.
    I'm almost certain that a Windows Vista System image that is stored on a portable USB hard drive can easily be restored to another computer that is running Windows 7. It can be done using the Windows 7 boot disc that is made from start\all programs\maintenance\backup & restore\create boot disk or whatever it says.

    This doesn't seem to be the case when going from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1. It seems much more complicated.
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  4. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #4

    Right, it is not straight forward. EFI changed the ballgame. But it is doable if you overcome the driver and activation problems.
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  5. Posts : 53
    Windows 7 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    whs said:
    Right, it is not straight forward. EFI changed the ballgame. But it is doable.
    Thanks for your assistance. I will have to research this more.
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  6. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #6

    To me it wouldn't be worth the head aches. It probably won't activate anyway unless you are moving a Retail Window 7.
    I would just do a proper clean install of Windows 7.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 53
    Windows 7 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Layback Bear said:
    To me it wouldn't be worth the head aches. It probably won't activate anyway unless you are moving a Retail Window 7.
    I would just do a proper clean install of Windows 7.
    I agree with you. Thanks.
      My Computer


 

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