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Want to use old SSD in new desktop; how to migrate OS/Files?
Hi all,
I am about to complete my first-ever custom PC build in a few weeks. I am currently working on my 5-year old Dell Laptop, and what I want to do is simply run the same OS that I have installed on my SSD (Windows 7 Home x64) on my new desktop PC. I also want to retain my files/programs.
I just attempted to do this same thing with my brother's computer (i.g., using old SSD in new-hardware computer) and found out it's not as simple as Plug-N'n-Play. I ended up having to wipe his old drive and do a clean install with new OS to get it running, which was ok because it was a small-sized drive (60GB SSD), and he didn't have many files on it.
I, on the other hand, have a 500GB drive with many files I do not want to lose. So my question is:
Is there an approach that has worked for anyone to transition one's old drive to a new system? To be clear, I will be using my current laptop's SSD in the new computer as the primary OS/drive.
I have already backed up my system using Windows Backup. If I did have to do a clean install (b/c of new hardware), could I use Windows Restore to restore (at least) my files/programs of my old (current) computer? Just a thought.
Any thoughts are much appreciated as I attempt to transition with as little hassle as possible! thanks :)