Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer

How to Transfer your Complete Windows 7 Installation to New Computer​

To start, a warning from Microsoft:

   Note

Important

You must use the Sysprep /generalize command to generalize a complete Windows installation before you can use the installation for deployment to a new computer, whether you use imaging, hard disk duplication, or another method. Moving or copying a Windows image to a different computer without running the Sysprep /generalize command is not supported.

This tutorial will show you how to do the transfer.

   Information

Windows 7 System Preparation Tool is a powerful, native Windows tool. When for instance used in so called Audit Mode, it let's you to freely configure Windows 7 to be then deployed to other computers as hardware independent image.

In this tutorial we use System Preparation Tool (sysprep) to prepare your Windows 7 installation to be moved to a new computer, keeping all your installed applications, program settings and user profiles. You can use this method for instance when you have bought a new PC and want to transfer your existing setup completely, without need to reinstall everything, or when you want to make major hardware changes like change the motherboard or GPU, which would usually cause Windows to stop booting normally.

   Warning

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.

With the speed of today's hardware evolution, most of us geeks are upgrading the hardware more often than operating system. Upgrading hardware can be painfully slow process if we need to reinstall the operating system and all our installed applications, plus transfer program settings and user profiles.

Using sysprep makes this easy. Changing the motherboard, or for instance an old ATI GPU to a new nVidia GPU quite often causes Windows 7 not to be able to boot anymore. This fact is usually accepted by the user, who then reinstalls the OS and all applications and transfers user profiles from a backup location.

Same thing when buying a new computer with completely different hardware setup compared to the old one, or trying to restore a system image to different hardware setup. Normally this would include a complete reinstallation of Windows 7 and all applications.

Why not use sysprep to avoid reinstalling? Here are the different scenarios where you can use it.

   Warning

An upgraded Windows cannot be sysprepped. As this method is based in sysprepping, this tutorial is valid only for Windows setups which have not been upgraded.

This means that if you have for instance in-place upgraded Vista to Seven, or using Anytime Upgrade upgraded for instance a Home Premium to Ultimate, you cannot sysprep and this tutorial cannot be used in your case.

Notice that a repair install is also an upgrade install, so if you have ever done a repair install (= in-place upgrade to same edition), you cannot sysprep.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO CREATE A SYSTEM IMAGE BEFORE PROCEEDING!​

As you can read on this thread, on rare occasions this method does not work. If this happens, you can always restore your system using your backup image.

Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
System Image Recovery

IE10 Users: Please read this article first: Sysprep Fatal Error With IE 10 (FIX) | System Administration

METHOD ONE

Changing hardware components but keeping old hard disk(s)

Use this method if you:
- Change other hardware components but keep your old HD containing Windows 7
- Move the HD containing Windows 7 to another computer

1. Before installing new hardware, boot Windows 7 normally
2. Disconnect all external hardware except mouse, keyboard and main display. If your system folders are located only on C: drive, disconnect all other hard disks except that containing the C:. In case of relocated system folders, for instance the profile folder Users located in another drive and other system folders on C:, first move the relocated system folders back to C: then disconnect all other drives. Reboot after this
3. Run Command Prompt as administrator
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4. Type to Command Prompt: %windir%\System32\Sysprep\Sysprep.exe, and hit Enter
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5. In sysprep dialog that opens, choose System Cleanup Action as Enter System Out-of-Box-Experience (OOBE), select Generalize, select Shutdown Options Shutdown. Click OK
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6. Sysprep generalizes now your Windows 7 setup and shuts down your computer. Do not run any other programs during this phase!
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7. Switch the main power of your PC off and install the new hardware OR dismount the hard disk(s) and mount it (them) to a new computer
8. Boot the PC from sysprep generalized hard disk. You will notice Windows booting as if it was the first boot after installation, installing default drivers and updating registry. One or two reboots are needed, depending on your system specifications
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9. When Windows finally boots up, you will need to enter all information as if this really was a new, fresh installation
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10. Because your old user profiles already exist, Windows does not accept your normal username, but instead you have to create a new temporary user. I use username Test for this purpose
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11. When login screen appears, choose your old user account to login
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12. Windows boots now to default OOBE first boot desktop, with default 800*600 resolution and default theme. All your installed applications are there, as well as your old user profiles and folders. Windows has installed the default drivers for your setup, you can update them if needed
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13. Go to Control Panel > User Accounts and delete the temporary user account (in this case Test) that you just created

METHOD TWO

Change the hard disk(s) or move Windows 7 setup to a new computer using third party imaging software

Use this method if you:
- Replace the HD containing Windows 7 on your old computer
- Move Windows 7 to a new HD on another computer

1. Follow steps 1 through 5 above (method 1)
2. Boot PC with an imaging CD/DVD (Paragon, Macrium etc.). See Macrium Reflect Free:at our sister site TenForums.com: Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect Windows 10 Backup Restore Tutorials . Also see this post for a practical tip to create a Macrium system image.
3. Create an image of your system
4. Turn PC off, change the hard disk(s) and reboot with imaging application, restoring the image OR boot the new computer with imaging software and restore the image
5. Continue from step 7 above (method 1)

This procedure is failsafe, and works every time. There is nothing to worry, but of course it is recommended to make a backup before trying this. I have even used this method when some serious driver issues caused the PC to constantly crash (BSOD), to reset all drivers to Windows defaults and then reinstalling them one by one to find the culprit.

   Note

What does Sysprep generalizing do to my Windows 7 setup?

• All system specific information is removed or uninstalled
• Security ID (SID) of your hardware setup is reseted
• All system restore points are deleted
• All event logs are deleted
• All personalization is removed (taskbar, toolbars, folder options, start orb etc.)
• Built-in administrator account is disabled (if it was enabled) and needs to be re-enabled after the transfer if needed

What happens when booting first time after sysprep generalizing?

• First boot configuration is run
• New SID is created
• Re-arm counter is reseted if not already re-armed three times
• Windows 7 is booted using first boot default drivers and settings

I have tested all above mentioned methods with all versions of Windows 7, from Starter to Enterprise. It works every time, with one exception: for reasons unknown to me, sysprep seems sometimes dislike Windows Media Player networking service, which is by default started every time Windows 7 starts. In about every third time I've done this, I've got an error message when trying to generalize:



However, this is not a big problem. You just need to stop the WMP networking service, and run sysprep with generalize option again. You can stop the service in question by typing net stop WMPNetworkSvc to command prompt, and hitting Enter:



If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Happy computing!

Kari

EDIT: A Useful tip from xxxwea, as later confirmed by Victor:

Kari, just a suggestion.

You might note in the tutorial that if on first booting Windows can't finish configuring, a reboot into safe mode, then a normal reboot will allow it to finish successfully.

This has happened to me both times I used a sysprepped system drive in a new computer. I found the answer to this problem buried deep in this thread the first time I ran into it, and the same thing happened yesterday on a different computer.

It's a seemingly very silly solution, but it works. I do believe many people have abandoned their sysprep work when they encounter the problem.

I think the solution deserves more visibility.

 

[Kari]

Also there is a way to reactivate OEM versions of Windows 7 because i switched my motherboard and followed this: Moved my hdd to a new pc. Windows 7 wants a new license

You can add that link to the tutorial or rewrite it in your own words if you want Kari, it would be useful.

The link isn't there, but the method is mentioned in the first warning box.

Officially Microsoft's licencing policy does not allow an OEM version of Windows to be transferred to a new computer, or too much hardware to be changed.

To stay in accordance with official EULA I will not post any links or quotes from third party sites advising on how to proceed in unsupported scenarios.

The warning Britton mentioned at the beginning of the tutorial is enough:

   Warning

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.

Kari

 

[anoopsingh1198]

mount the old HD to the new computer

METHOD TWO

Change the hard disk(s) or move Windows 7 setup to a new computer using third party imaging software

Use this method if you:
- Replace the HD containing Windows 7 on your old computer
- Move Windows 7 to a new HD on another computer

1. Follow steps 1 through 5 above (method 1)
2. Boot PC with an imaging CD/DVD (Paragon, Macrium etc.)
3. Create an image of your system
4. Turn PC off, change the hard disk(s) and reboot with imaging application, restoring the image OR boot the new computer with imaging software and restore the image
5. Continue from step 7 above (method 1)

METHOD THREE

Change the hard disk(s) or move Windows 7 setup to a new computer using Windows Seven's native Backup and Restore

Use this method if you:
- Replace the HD containing Windows 7 on your old computer
- Move Windows 7 to a new HD on another computer

1. Follow steps 1 through 5 above (method 1)
2. Change the hardware componets you want to, letting the old HD be still mounted as system disk
   OR if transferring to a new computer,
   mount the old HD to the new computer as system
   (boot) disk
   
3. Boot computer normally, continuing from step 7 above (method 1)
   
   Hi kari,
   As per your Method 3, I do not know how to mount the old HDD to new laptop...Any Suggestions.

 

[Britton30]

What are the models of the two computers in question?

 

[anoopsingh1198]

Models of Laptops

The Old one from which i want to make the image is Dell i7, Nvidia , 64 bit Windows Ultimate, 640gb 5400rpm HDD..

Want to transfer to a Maingear Laptop. i7 4800 MQ, 2 X 1Tb HDD , No Raid Configuration, Nvidia.

No idea about either motherboard or chipset if that matters.

The point i didn't get in the tutorial in Method 2 was

That after i do the first 5 steps in my old laptop and then make a full image using Paragon Software...Then i use this image to Boot my new Computer ?
How do i boot my new laptop, like pressing F8 and then Boot from USB ?
And would the Different Size of the C:/ and D:/ matter in the new laptop or it would just copy the image om new laptop and bring all my programs as it is .

 

[Kari]

As per your Method 3, I do not know how to mount the old HDD to new laptop...Any Suggestions.[/COLOR][/B]

Open the lid covering the HDD on old laptop, open all possible screws keeping it in place, remove the HDD, following the same steps remove the old HDD from your new laptop, insert the HDD from old laptop.

All further questions about swapping / replacing hardware in this section, please: Hardware & Devices - Windows 7 Help Forums

The Old one from which i want to make the image is Dell i7, Nvidia , 64 bit Windows Ultimate, 640gb 5400rpm HDD..

Want to transfer to a Maingear Laptop. i7 4800 MQ, 2 X 1Tb HDD , No Raid Configuration, Nvidia.

No idea about either motherboard or chipset if that matters.

The point i didn't get in the tutorial in Method 2 was

That after i do the first 5 steps in my old laptop and then make a full image using Paragon Software...Then i use this image to Boot my new Computer ?
How do i boot my new laptop, like pressing F8 and then Boot from USB ?
And would the Different Size of the C:/ and D:/ matter in the new laptop or it would just copy the image om new laptop and bring all my programs as it is .

You don't know how to boot your computer from a CD or DVD?

The tut asks you to boot with imaging application, not with the image itself. It means the CD or DVD you made for restoring images made by your imaging solution. In your case Paragon must have a function to create a boot CD to be used to restore images made with it.

For instance I use Macrium reflect for imaging; when I want to restore an image to a PC, I boot it with a Macrium Boot CD and follow the instructions of Macrium to restore (install) my image.

All further questions about using imaging applications in this section, please: Backup and Restore - Windows 7 Help Forums

Kari

 

[anoopsingh1198]

Cleared a lot of details..
I would do the First 5 steps...Then boot it with a bootable CD(Would old Windows Bootable DVD work? or Bootable USB) and then Make a System Image. Then would Restore this Image on the New Laptop. Got it now.

Thankyou..

 

[Kari]

Use Macrium Reflect Free for your imaging and restoring, for that we have experts available here at the Seven Forums if help is needed.

See the tutorials:

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/218920-macrium-reflect-create-bootable-rescue-usb-drive.html

 

[SteveTT]

Recent Failed Attempt

Hi All, I have been following this forum recently after failing to complete Method 1 on my current PC. I completed the Sysprep as advised, the PC shutdown and I moved everything to my new PC case. The changes to hardware include a different model Asrock MB, new CPU and that's it. On turning on the new PC it would not boot. Then I reseated the RAM which then booted up the PC which began loading in drivers but then proceeded to enter a persistent reboot.

I have attempted a repair which failed to fix anything. I tried swapping the boot type from IDE but nothing. I managed to enter repair mode. Luckily I had backed up the image and have now put everything back into the old hardware which boots ok, but very slow.

I still need to move the PC over. Any tips for a successful transfer? I've read about removing drivers to the GPU and returning SATA drivers to standard, however they are already on standard. Any assistant greatly appreciated!

Steve

 

[Kari]

Hi Steve, welcome to the Seven Forums.

Did you read this at the very bottom of the tutorial:

EDIT: A Useful tip from xxxwea, as later confirmed by Victor:

Kari, just a suggestion.

You might note in the tutorial that if on first booting Windows can't finish configuring, a reboot into safe mode, then a normal reboot will allow it to finish successfully.

This has happened to me both times I used a sysprepped system drive in a new computer. I found the answer to this problem buried deep in this thread the first time I ran into it, and the same thing happened yesterday on a different computer.

It's a seemingly very silly solution, but it works. I do believe many people have abandoned their sysprep work when they encounter the problem.

I think the solution deserves more visibility.

Safe Mode boot really helps often. Also, before booting the new rig first time disconnect all other hard disks except the system disk, all external devices except mouse and keyboard, and so on.

I have had a few systems when nothing I have done have helped. They have all had an Intel to AMD or AMD to Intel processor change in common.

Kari

 

[SteveTT]

Thanks Kari,
Yes I did read that re booting into safe mode and tried it, though it was after a number of previous normal reboots. I don't know if that would of ruined any benefit in following this procedure but I will definitely try it when I attempt again this weekend.

One thing I wanted to ask you - I presume now I have my backup system image back online, another sysprep will effectively be as if its been done for the first time and no other allowance need to be made other than the drivers to standard treatment for drives etc?

 

[Kari]

Each subsequent Sysprep with Generalize switch does exactly the same: check for your Windows setup for existing hardware related information and remove it. It works and reacts exactly the same way regardless if it's done several times on the same install (useless but a geek way to test: sysprep, reboot to OOBE, reinstall drivers, sysprep again and so on), or on a restored image then afterwards restore the same image and sysprep again.

Sysprep does not care how many times it has been previously done.

 

[SteveTT]

Hi Kari
I attempted the sysprep again today. Uninstalled all unnecessary driver and reset SATA drivers to standard, removed graphics card and driver etc, however the install has done the same. I rebooted to safe mode but it will not enter this mode stating unable to complete installation. Rebooted and now stuck on the Setup is Starting Services screen. Any suggestions? Note that I am changing motherboard which remains an Asrock MB and unpgrading CPU which remains Intel.

 

[Kari]

Please upload and post all log files, especially the setupact.log and setuperr.log from folder C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\Panther on the sysprepped system, I will check them to see if an obvious error can be found.

 

[SteveTT]

Ok. How do i copy the log file if the system is not working? Is there a way.

 

[Kari]

You need to find a way to boot the system up, for instance using Windows install media and selecting Repair instead of Install and then accessing the folder in question from Command Prompt in Repair Console, or with a Linux Live-CD.

 

[SteveTT]

I can get to repair, but unable to copy the files to a cd for instance. Sorry, I may be missing something...I am not an IT wizard as you can tell.

 

[SteveTT]

Its ok I couldnt get the pc to copy the files to cd so have copied to a usb stick which I've now [/ATTACH]attached. Thankyou

 

[SteveTT]

View attachment setuperr.log

 

[Kari]

OK.

Real life keeps me a bit preoccupied at the moment, house full of visitors (re: http://www.sevenforums.com/chillout-room/310225-today-14-2-a-112.html#post2742734). I'll check those as soon as possible, posting then back here.

 

[Kari]

I found something.

Your Canon PIXMA MP630 printer / scanner's TWAIN drivers seem to cause problems for Sysprep. The same with the Nvidia GPU. My suggestion:

• Restore the system image on old hardware
• Shut down the PC, remove Nvidia GPU (use on-board GPU instead)
• Disconnect PIXMA device
• Boot
• Uninstall all software for both PIXMA and NVIDIA
• Reboot
• Run Sysprep with the Generalize switch and Shutdown selected
• Replace old hardware
• Boot to Safe Mode
• Reboot normally

If everything works, shut down the PC, install drivers and software for them.

Kari