Can Windows Easy Transfer be used if source is removed hard disk

[ggeoff]

Hi

I have a Dell 690 and there is a hardware issue that is preventing it starting, not all the time, but too frequently to allow me to use WET to transfer the users data to anothe computer. I have another Dell, a 490 with a hot swop hard disk enclosure and wonder whether I could remove the disk from the failing 690 and use WET to move users data to another 690 (which works ok) Alternatively, I could take the removed disk and install it in the new 690. If WET will only work from "old computer to New computer" what are my other options for copying user settings and their data to the new 690?

 

[theog]

You could clone the HDD.

How to clone your old drive to a new drive.
Solved How to Migrate OS to new Hard disk.

 

[ggeoff]

Thanks theog. But all I need is user settings and their data tranferred. The new Dell 690 already has MS Office on it and some other programs, wouldn't they be overwritten?

 

[AddRAM]

Just copy and paste.

 

[whs]

If you can access the folders on the other PC, I vote with AddRAM - Copy/Paste is the easiest solution. If that is not possible, use this: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/287439-emergency-kit-save-your-files-dead-os.html#post2374354

 

[ggeoff]

Thanks AssRAM and whs,

There is nothing wrong with the Windows 7 installation the issue is hardware related. If I install the old hard disk on the new computer do I simply, just need to copy the Users folder to the main drive on the new computer ?

 

[whs]

Not the user folder that has your name because it contains also the Appdata folders. You can only copy your user data (documents, pictures, music, videos, favorites).

 

[ggeoff]

Thanks whs.

Just clarify. I copy all the User folders, which I presume will contain all the documents, pictures, music, video and favourits and the Appdata folders, but not mine [as that will overwrite my Appdata folder]

 

[whs]

You don't want to copy the Appdata folder. That would make a mess - only your own stuff.

 

[AddRAM]

No, just copy the pictures, the documents, videos, music, etc. if it was your pc, you should know exactly what you want to copy and where it is.

After that you could format the drive and start using it for storage. Make sure the old drive is in perfect shape b4 using it as a storage drive, if not I would toss it.

Crystal Disk Info is a good tool, and of course the manufacturer`s diagnostic software available from their website.

http://crystalmark.info/software/CrystalDiskMark/index-e.html

 

[gregrocker]

Easiest is to drag the named User folders which are being used to external to transfer to new install.

You do not want AppData as it is a corruption path. Start fresh with new settings.

If you want to try to troubleshoot the old install here are steps for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start.

I would first test the hardware by booting into Dell Diagnostics: Dell Diagnostics Utility - How to Run the

Follow these steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.