Tranplanting HD from one notebook to another

The Sager 8150 I ordered from Xotic PC is scheduled to arrive tomorrow (fingers crossed). I'm so excited .

The first thing I want to do is to swap out the default hard drive with the Seagate Momentus XT in my current laptop. I want to be able to run my new computer like it my current one right off the bat.

To do this, is it as simple as putting my old HD into the new laptop? Do I need to do anything to "prep" it before the transfer? Thanks.

 

Chances are you will have driver conflicts. Then again if your using win 7 it may just find generic drivers for your system. Other than that you should be fine after updating the right device drivers.

 

No, it is not as simple as that. Possible if your current laptop is the EXACT SAME MODEL with the SAME HARDWARE, but most likely there will be driver conflicts.

If the reason for your swap is for data and programs, it would be better to just backup the data and transfer it to the new HDD whilst installing your programs from scratch.

If it's because your current HDD has better performance than the new one, same thing. Backup elsewhere, clone the new HDD onto the old one, then restore your data from the backup and install programs from scratch.

 

Thanks for the heads up guys. Obviously the drivers for my Gateway P6831FX won't work in the Sager 8150. I'll uninstall all device drivers before removing the HD.

Beyond that, are there other issue that could damage the system if I make the swap?

 

you didn't get it. you can't just uninstall the drivers and change the HDD. Like it was said before that will probably lead into many problems.
1)backup your data to elsewhere 2)install the new HDD format it, install OS from scratch, install drivers, install programs 3)move your old data to your new fresh HDD.

 

Would definitely recommend this as my course of action, and it's the course you'll probably have to "expect".

If you do "try" it though, you won't harm your computer.

I have found if you go from an AMD processor to Intel (or vice versa) Windows doesn't cope with it.

If in the same processor manufacturer, you have a CHANCE sometimes of windows (especially since Windows 7 is probably the smartest at pulling something like this off) managing to straighten itself out, asking you to reboot, and then, tada, you can use it.

You'll also have to re-activate windows, as it will detect "significant" hardware changes, to say the least.

Please though, follow step #1 as a minimum, from everyone else. Back up that data first.

If you do pull this off though, I think in the future, you'll get to a point anyway where the appeal of a fresh, clean install will make you want to wipe and re-do anyway

 

I think the problem is that I don't know enough about making backups. For some reason, I'm under the impression entire programs (games) can't be backed up since they require register entries to run. Only the game files get saved. I'll look more into the backup/restore option. Thanks for help guys.

 

Oh yeah, this is EXACTLY what we're talking about. Learn where those save files are for EACH game/app you want to save. Look online and be certain.

Grab all your docs/downloads/mp3s etc.

Uninstall & release or reclaim the "usage" of any programs with limited activations.

Grab your bookmarks if you use local machine bookmarks still.

Stuff all your needed files on to an external hard drive or other backup medium, and see 'em on the other side---

 

If you've got any game save files on your current computer you want to transfer over, you can usually google how to transfer them from one computer to another so you don't lose those files. Most of them are under "My Saved Games" or something similar in your documents. But you are correct, you'll need to reinstall all your programs as you can't really transfer them over. However you can start over with a clean slate and a better computer

 

As others have mentioned, it will be a long and complicated process to move an existing Windows installation to a new computer - and it might not be easier or quicker than simply starting from scratch...you will need to redo all your drivers, re-activate Windows (if you have an OEM license they won't let you) etc. Although it's a pain, the 'best' process is to backup your data, saved games etc - copy it to some other location, and then do a fresh new install of Windows once it's in the new machine.

 

It will be SO much easier to 1. back up your data to an external hard drive. 2. format the drive. 3 swap it and reinstall windows.

It probably won't take you longer than 2 hours to do so.

 

I'm convinced. Fresh install + restore is the way to go. Set up my computer tonight, preload BF3 tomorrow night. Perfect timing!