Mac OSX Time Machine And System Images

[xladieexo]

I have kind of a complex question.
I know that in Mac OSX they have time machine that allows mac users to be able to restore there whole computer to any given state they once had it.
An example of this is when switching between computers. lets say I had a macbook pro and I purchased a new imac i could essentially restore my time machine backup from my macbook pro to my imac.
I wanted to know if creating a system image in windows 7 is essentially the same thing. can i create a system image and restore it to a newer computer?
my main concern is I am purchasing a new laptop a lenovo edge and I have my old laptop a gateway nv. Would i be able to create a system image from my gateway and have it on an external hard drive and restore it on my new laptop and still have everything working and functioning.

I hope this makes sense. I really dont know how to word this correctly.
If this isn't possible, is there a way to essentially clone my already existing hard drive from my old laptop and have it work on my new laptop.
My main issue is having to install all my applications and files all over again. It is very time consuming and tedious and I am trying to avoid that.

Thank you in advance for your time and help.

Have a good day.

 

[Abhishek Ghosh]

I wanted to know if creating a system image in windows 7 is essentially the same thing. can i create a system image and restore it to a newer computer?

Not essentially the same, some third party programs gets corrupted in Windows.

But you can restore in Win 7 too.

my main concern is I am purchasing a new laptop a lenovo edge and I have my old laptop a gateway nv. Would i be able to create a system image from my gateway and have it on an external hard drive and restore it on my new laptop and still have everything working and functioning.

Back up your programs, system settings, and files

 

[Kari]

After major change in hardware (changing the whole computer is a major change!) it's always preferred to reinstall. Yes, it takes time and beer and patience, but it would be better.

However, what you want to do can be done. This tutorial, methods 2 and 3, might give you some ideas: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/135077-windows-7-installation-transfer-new-computer.html

Good luck!

Kari