Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer

Hi Kari,
Thanks for helping me out. Answers to your questions:
1. The windows 7 Hone Premium x64 is a clean install that u am trying G to setup.
2. I have had to do a repair install before ( on original HDD that came with the Dell Laptop.) since then, I have replaced the HDD with an ssd that has worked very well.
3. All of my files are on the C: drive on the ssd ( and are backed up; no fear of losing data.)
4. I was sysprepping to move my ssd from my laptop to my newly built desktop PC. I'd have liked to keep my programs and data files rather than having to restore/ re-install them.
5. At first, I was having trouble sysprepping the laptop; however I got over it ( it was the Windows Media Center service, had to be stopped). Since then, I have been experiencing error messages when trying to setup new desktop computer, notably "windows cannot finish installing" in several attempts, as well as "Windows could not install on this hardware configuration ( something to that effect.)

I am just realizing that I read somewhere you can't do a sysprepping with a repair install of Windows. If that is the case, then I will stop efforts to sysprep and continue trying to do a clean install ( which I have also been having issues with...)

Again, thanks!

Kari,
First, thanks for this tutorial, it was great! My mobo was on the fritz, and had to be replaced. So, used your tutorial to transfer my W7 Home Premium x64 to the new mobo. Couple things I wanted to report:

1. After executing Sysprep, i was getting a fatal error. Reviewed the log file and Googled the issue. Solution: I had to manually stop the WMPNetworkSvc service. Seems a number of folks had this issue. Anyway, ran fine after that.
2. I have an OEM version of Win7. It successult activated using the online method. I did NOT have to make a phone call to Microsoft.

Anyway, thanks again.
James

Kari said:

It is often a good idea to first read instructions through before starting. This warning and workaround are from the end of the tutorial.

Kari,
First wanted to thank you for all the great info you provide in this thread.
But wanted to touch on the above comment. For what its worth at first glance it is not apparent that you provide additional general info at the end of your post. You start with a bunch of general info then start a break down of methods 1, 2 & 3. I figure most people skip over the last bit because they assume its an extension of method 3 which may not be applicable to them.
Suggestion is that the general info that applies to all methods be grouped together and presented before you start the breakdown. Or perhaps add an additional title showing that it is a conclusion of sorts with more info that is separate from Method 3.

Thank you for this wonderful topic and info.

I needed to move my wife's machine to SSD and new system board..

the EaseUS software moved the data to the smaller driver and the Paragon CD fixed the driver problem
(found that after a day of looking for ways around the driver crash!)..

still have to fix the system activation, will call them shortly

I have used Macrium Reflect Free to create a system image and recover it successfully. It works splendidly.

I will be building a new computer within the next year and will eventually get it to windows 10. Now as I understand sysprep will not work on an upgraded operating system (without altering registry anyway) , I will have to move over 7 first..and wish to use a new SSD.

So, in regard to method 2, stps 2 and 3......

The Macrium Reflect Free rescue disc I have now------- it allows me to get into Windows PE and of course restore an image to a chosen destination.

What I am not sure of is will it allow me to image sysprepped/generalized drive C... ? I understand the system image would have to be created in this manner because if rebooting the machine,the sysprepping is undone.

Anyone know ?

edit---also there seem to be more users at brothers eightforums and tenforums now. Is it appropriate to ask over there or is that violating some forum decorum ?

:)

Outstanding. Learned something new. I learned earlier this week about not being supposedly able to sysprep an upgraded Windows 7 and learned the fix this afternoon. And now I learn there is "part 2" ! Thanks ! I likely wont be starting this project until mid-summer but can't wait hardly :)