Universal Image

[techusa]

HI all,

First time posting to a Forum. I need some help. I'm trying to take an image copied from one machine onto a hard drive and install it on a completely different hardware setup. I know it can be done, I'm just not sure how. Looking for ideas on how to approach the problem and fix the issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[GokAy]

Use Sysprep http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/319903-windows-7-image-customize-audit-mode-sysprep.html to deploy to many PCs

Or use Paragon Adaptive Restore if migrating your Windows to another PC (Sysprep works here too). http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/292068-make-windows-7-bootable-after-motherboard-swap.html

 

[techusa]

I thought about using Sysprep, but that will wipe all software from the image. We need to keep the OS, software\programs and data all intact on the original image when moving it to the new hardware.

 

[GokAy]

Sysprep won't wipe the software, but SIDs will probably be wiped. Where did you get that idea?

But if this is for a single PC that will be moved to a new hardware, maybe PAR will be better. However, make sure licensing is covered. Is the current Windows OEM or retail? You will need a new license if OEM. Any 3rd party software may require re-activation after an OS license change as well.

By the way, found a more suitable tutorial for your case: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/135077-windows-7-installation-transfer-new-computer.html

Using this method causes Windows 7 to lose all activation information, and it needs to be reactivated afterwards. If your Windows 7 is an OEM version, you might not be able to reactivate it, at least not without phone activation option.

I do not recommend to use this method on RAID systems. All experiments on RAID I know have failed.

See if this help.

 

[techusa]

I started a Sysprep and it stated it was going to restore the OS back to factory\clean install, removing any information on the hard drive other than the OS.

I've never heard of PAR. I did contact Symantec and Acronis. Symantec I'm waiting to hear back from a thread I started within their Forums. Acronis stated they have Universal Imaging software that will image a machine and move it to another that is completely different with very minimal issues. Although the trial version doesn't include what I want to do, so I'd have to purchase the software. http://www.acronis.com/en-us/business/universal-restore/

I believe they're all OEM, which we can just call into Microsoft and get them reactivated, isn't a big deal on our end.

I've also read about configuring the HAL.dll file, or the MBR files, but I'm not sure how to go about the configuration.

 

[GokAy]

Ok, I guess it depends on which switch you use with Sysprep (checked the tutorial in post 4?).

 

[techusa]

Sysprep OOBE is what I wasn't about to try. I'm not so sure about the other selection though.

I'll have to try the second suggestion. I'll keep you posted.