Windows 7 image and restore to a new HDD

[Piperapk]

Hi, I'm currently using Windows 7 x64 with a 250GB HDD divided into two partitions. I'll be moving to a new system with two 250GB drives. Is it possible to make an image of my Windows 7 system and restore each of my two partitions to two of the 250GB drives. Overall I want to move my OS without reinstalling all the programs and stuff. Is it possible this with Acronis 2011? Thanks.

 

[Ztruker]

If you are moving to new hardware I don't think imaging the old to the new is a good idea, though Windows 7 seems to do a good job of detecting hardware changes and loading the appropriate drivers.

It would be worth trying just to see what happens and let the rest of us know

Imaging the old to the new then doing a Repair Install might work though. Can't say for sure as I've not doe it.

 

[mjf]

I would like to know how you go as well.
If a straight reimage to a new system (ie. mother board etc) works also let us know what the third party software is.
I expect it will fail and a reimaging would only work on the existing or a new HDD in the same computer.
For a retail OS I believe you can transfer to a new system but it must be removed from the old. An OEM OS will be tied to the original computer.
Bought third party software which cost $$$ (like Photoshop, Office etc) will probably need to be reactivated. Number of copies allowed will depend on the EULA.

 

[Wishmaster]

You can with the Plus Pack.
Complete hard disk recovery solution, backup, drive copy, clone and image computer software

But it does sometimes work out OK with a normal Image as well. A fwew have had good doing it.
Seven will update all the drivers on first boot, although theres no guarantee.



Either route you take, A re-activation may be needed.

 

[karlsnooks]

Hi, I'm currently using Windows 7 x64 with a 250GB HDD divided into two partitions. I'll be moving to a new system with two 250GB drives. Is it possible to make an image of my Windows 7 system and restore each of my two partitions to two of the 250GB drives. Overall I want to move my OS without reinstalling all the programs and stuff. Is it possible this with Acronis 2011? Thanks.

Welcome to Seven Forums.

If you use Win 7 Backup and Restore then the answer to your question is YES.

Although I confess that your problem statement is a little confusing.

And the more I look at then the more confused I am.

Let's play safe here.

Post a snapshot of the maximized output of DISK MANAGEMENT of your present hard disk.

To run Disk management:
Win | type DISKMGMT.MSC | ENTER

To make a snapshot:
WIN | type SNIPPING | ENTER

Oh yes, don't forget to maximize the output of DiskManagement before making the "snip".

To post the snip:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-how-post-screenshot-seven-forums.html

 

[Piperapk]

My hardware is pretty similar to the new system Intel motherboard NVIDIA graphics, I should clarify that both of the systems are laptops. Also I don't worry about any reactivations if my software will be running in the same state as of now that's what's important.

Here's the screenshot ofthe DISKMGMT

 

[karlsnooks]

Thanks.

Now the easiest approach in my opinion is:
1. Make a system repair disc,
2. Make a system image backup of your present laptop, being sure to include the D: in the system image.
3. Now here I need some more info from you regarding the new laptop.

Is the new laptop 100% identical to the old?
Does the new laptop already have an operating system installed?

Now if your objective is to have two laptops with the same os and same license, then you are in deep trouble.

We do need to clarify point here: MS present policy essential says 1 computer = 1 license. If you try, then you will find that you will need to call MS and clarify that you removed the os from one system and am now using on a different system.

Maybe some else will chime in here with the official statement. I've never worried with the details since I've always played 100% by the book and not tried to bend the rules.

 

[Wishmaster]

Now if your objective is to have two laptops with the same os and same license, then you are in deep trouble.

We do need to clarify point here: MS present policy essential says 1 computer = 1 license. If you try, then you will find that you will need to call MS and clarify that you removed the os from one system and am now using on a different system.
QUOTE]

This is my understanding as well.

Only one can can be activated, and the other will require a new key.

After imaging both laptops, if you try to activate the second one the same as the 1st, the 1st will turn non-genuine. (Just like the original system will)

It will only allow 1 system to be activatd with that key.

 

[Piperapk]

The laptop it's not completely identical but it's the same manufacturer and all of the corresponding parts are also from the same. I mean the CPU and Motherboard are Intel, the GPU Nvidia, the sound, wireless and such. Also the new system comes with Windows 7 but I'll format the HDD and want to replace it with an image of my current Windows 7 Ultimate.

 

[karlsnooks]

Due to questions in my mind, I'm going to pull out.

 

[madtownidiot]

Due to questions in my mind, I'm going to pull out.

windows 7 ultimate of course ... I smell a fish...

 

[Piperapk]

What? You think that my Windows 7 is illegal? I got it from my university so it's not, if that's what worries you?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

You will need to separate Windows 7 activation keys to do what you want.

We do not discuss ways to get around this and further discussion may get you and this discussion removed.

 

[mjf]

Refer to my original response to the OP!
If software companies allowed what was wanted to happen they would go out of business.
I stick to the EULA and expect the software Company to do the same.
However, I think it is quite fair to be able to replace your HDD when it fails by cloning or imaging without jumping through hoops.
If you upgrade your complete system then most software vendors will allow this through deactivation / reactivation.

 

[Piperapk]

So if I try to make the HDD image transfer I may need to reactivate Windows 7?

 

[madtownidiot]

exactly

 

[gregrocker]

I would remove the Product Key before reimaging as it can cause problems having new hardware. Open an elevated command prompt to type: slmgr -upk Then after reimaging, install new Product Key at Control Panel>System link. You may need to do robocall to update hardware signature.

Using Acronis you can select an adaptive restore which removes all of the old drivers during reimaging so that it will start up easier on the new hardware. You can also change partition sizes during reimaging.

So reimage the 100mb SysReserved and Win7 partitions to the new HD selecting same drive letters, then reimage the data partition separately to its own HD as you wish.

 

[madtownidiot]

another way is to download the trial version of Norton Ghost, which you can then use one time to make a complete, bootable copy of your HDD to another HDD

 

[gregrocker]

I thought he has Acronis. If not, you can download a free version to clone/image when you have WD HD's: WD Support

I doubt the free WD version has adaptive restore, though. Win7 will start up on new hardware about half the time. Sometimes it requires booting into Safe Mode to install chipset or display drivers, other time Startup Repair run from the DVD.