Installed 2nd hard drive....side-by-side configuration incorrect

[jrauden]

I have extensively searched these forums for a solution to my problem but can't find it. I have found some similar problems, but none exactly the same, here is what happened:

I have a Windows7 computer running just fine. I pulled the hard drive out of my old computer and had installed it in the new one and it seems fine. I can access both drives and i all my files are there. The problem i am having is that i can't open any files from my old hard drive if the program they need to open is also on that old hard drive.

For example, my old hard drive has AutoCAD on it, my new hard drive doesn't. When i click on AutoCad i get the annoying "The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect" message. This happens with lots of programs, not just AutoCAD. I have MS Office on the old hard drive but when I try to open a word or excel file it won't open. It's like the computer is trying to open files from my old hard drive with applications that are on my new drive. This is a problem because i cant afford to buy 2 copies of autoCAD and 2 copies of MS Office and 2 copies of every program i have.

I feel like there is a simple fix for this but i can't figure this one out.
Thank you for help!!!!

 

[oscer1]

Hi welcome to the forum.

to my knowledge you will need to reinstall the programs as you cant use programs that are installed on the hard drive from another computer as it will have writen registry items when the program was installed.

i'm sure someone will correct me if i am wrong.

 

[Berton]

Correct, Windows-based programs do have to be installed so as to make the necessary Registry entries, Start menu entries and copy support files where needed. Some times it doesn't make any difference which drive or partition they are installed on so you could just re-install over the location they are now.

 

[CKWD]

Hey all!

Not to be stating the obvious, but @oscer1 and @Berton are as usual correct.
Even more simply put, when you want to use a software (program) it needs to be installed on the OS you are going to use it on. As you know, when you install a program you may choose where to install it. But no matter which drive you select to install it on, some files would always go on to C:, where the OS is.

@Berton already explained which files these would be.

If you have any saved projects or files from the programs, that you need further, see if you can keep them, so that when you reinstall the programs, you could move them to the certain folders/directories.

But I don't believe you can be able to run them as you have them now. They're missing their system files, which have been on a previous OS drive.

If anyone would have another idea? Cloning onto this OS drive shouldn't help, I am not sure for Repair tools/functions ?

Good luck!
CK_WD

 

[jrauden]

All,
Thank you for that information. I will try what you have suggested and see if that works. I really appreciate the prompt and detailed responses!!!!

 

[oscer1]

Your welcome and good luck

 

[CKWD]

Hey, you're welcome!

If you still have questions about anything, don't hesitate do post again, we'll try and help.

Good luck!

CK_WD