Laoptop HDD replace without reinstall

[vaidas3]

I plan to replace laptop HDD, but i dont want to reinstall windows.
what is the best way to do it?
OS:Windows 7 ultimate 32bit. old HDD 500GB (seems to have bad sector, but after repair at least for now is working), new HDD 500GB.

my plan would be:

1.create system and data image to USB HDD (320GB but should be ok I think, because total data now isn't that much) using windows 7 backup
2. replace HDD
3. restore created backup from usb HDD to new HDD

will that work? any software conflicts? im using finger print reader and there is secure storage.
will it be better to use other imaging software or maybe do fresh isntall?

any suggestions would be welcome

 

[theog]

Take a look at this tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/135077-windows-7-installation-transfer-new-computer.html

 

[gregrocker]

You can try reimage or cloning the old HD to the new. If either is a WD or Seagate you can use their excellent Acronis cloning app from Support Downloads webpage for your model HD.

If this fails, follow theog's link to Sysprep the old HD with it alone plugged in. Then clone or image over the old HD to the new one so it starts up to reinstall all drivers as given in tutorial.

But I doubt that a simple HD change will require SysPrepping HD. Win7 backup image is intended to work when replacing the HD which is why it wants the image stored externally.

 

[vaidas3]

Take a look at this tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/135077-windows-7-installation-transfer-new-computer.html

my settings drivers and other things that sys prep uninstalls is the point why i dont want to do fresh install. i just change a HDD no other hardware.

You can try reimage or cloning the old HD to the new. If either is a WD or Seagate you can use their excellent Acronis cloning app from Support Downloads webpage for your model HD.

If this fails, follow theog's link to Sysprep the old HD with it alone plugged in. Then clone or image over the old HD to the new one so it starts up to reinstall all drivers as given in tutorial.

But I doubt that a simple HD change will require SysPrepping HD. Win7 backup image is intended to work when replacing the HD which is why it wants the image stored externally.

thanks exacly my toughts simple ONLY HDD change should not require sysprep.
one hdd is seagate other WD maybe i will try to use arconis then..
i had very good experience with arconis and windows xp but i had some problems with vista and windows 7.
maybe i will stick with windows image backup still thinking.

anyway thanks for your help.
i think this problem is solved.