Help, Can i reinstall

[timbethany]

hi there, basically after a few years with this pc I have decided to upgrade the motherboard which means I need to get new cpu and psu and memory, at the moment I have a 320gb hard drive which I have just installed windows 7 64bit Pro on it.

My question is: can I also get a new hard drive and still be able install windows 7 on the new hard drive, so simply put is there a way to transfer my current instillation to a new hard drive?

 

[gregrocker]

You can either clone the old HD directly to the new one using a cloning software,

Or create a Win7 Backup Image saved externally and reimage to the new HD using the booted Win7 installer Repair console>Recover Using an Image.

I would create one other system image backup using free Macrium Reflect or similar in case one fails.

 

[timbethany]

wow that was fast lol thanks,
so basically i download macrium reflect and make 2 back up images and then put them on a flash drive or external HDD and boot from windows 7 disk and click the reapir button?

with macrium do i make an image file of just the windows folder or my whole harddrive?

 

[gregrocker]

You'll use the WIn7 DVD or Repair CD to reimage using the Win7 System image you store externally.

With Macrium Reflect you use a linux boot cd it will make for you. You can choose which partiitons you want backed up.

I suggest both in case one doesn't work, which sometimes happens.

Check first to see if your new or old HD comes with a cloning software as is often the case. If not in/on the package, it might be on the Support Downloads webpage for your HD.

If the cloned HD fails to start for some reason, boot the Win7 DVD Repair console to run Startup Repair at least 3 times with reboots to repair/rewrite the MBR.

Cloning doesn't require saving an image, just plugging both HD's to write one over to the other.

 

[timbethany]

ok that looks a tad confusing lol
is this what i do:
1. make an image
Macrium Reflect - Blogs and News

2. create a linux boot disc
Macrium Reflect - Blogs and News

3. Install my new motherboard and hard drive etc
4. boot from my linux boot disc
Macrium Reflect - Blogs and News

this looks very complecated, im not bothered about all my data so could i not just reinstall windows7 on the new harddrive/pc and re activate it? just like a normall install

 

[richc46]

I am assuming that you have an upgrade DVD. If so the answer is yes, if you follow this tutorial.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html?filter[2]=General Tips

I would make an image of what you have. Make sure all important documents are backed up; including mail, etc. In addition use Windows Easy Transfer.

This is a surefire way of insuring that you will not lose anything during the upgrade.

The windows easy transfer, is really cool, everything but programs will be transferred, including desktop and favorites.

One other hint, when asked for your number during the install, do not give it. In addition uncheck the box for automatically activating. You will have 30 days to activate after the install. In this way if there is any question about the key, you can speak to a rep on the phone and he will activate you. Its easy and painless.

Good luck