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    How to transfer OS from one computer to another?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Waders, Jul 15, 2009.

  1. Waders

    Waders Newbie

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    I am replacing my HP Pavilion dv7 with another Pavilion dv7 notebook. Is there a way to transfer the complete harddrive data over to the new notebook? I want to be able to have everything like it was on the old notebook without having to reinstall program by program ect. Any help is highly appreciated and I thank you in advance for all the input!.
     
    Waders, Jul 15, 2009
    #1
  2. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Will the two notebooks have exactly the same technical specifications?
     
    Shyster1, Jul 15, 2009
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  3. 1ceBlu3

    1ceBlu3 Notebook Deity

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    1ceBlu3, Jul 15, 2009
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  4. nacholambre

    nacholambre Notebook Consultant

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    I suggest you buy an external HDD bay and put the HDD in it. Boot into windows. Then you can copy the files manually in windows to the new HDD.
     
    nacholambre, Jul 15, 2009
    #4
  5. villageman

    villageman Notebook Evangelist

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    Just replace the disk. You might have to install/unistall some drivers but everything should be fine. If it was a completely different computer you would have to reactivate your OS but not in your case. If you do not want to replace the disk use acronis true image to create an identical clone of your original disk. You will need to have both disks connected at the same time so you will need an external usb enclosure.
     
    villageman, Jul 15, 2009
    #5
  6. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    If it were a completely different computer you would BSOD and hopeless hoarke up your harddrive

    If it is EXACTLY the same, you could simply swap the drives--but that is EXACTLY

    If it is close, but not exact, you could run a windows repair and -- yes-- reactivate.

    Even if you think it is exactly the same, I would image the drive first
     
    gerryf19, Jul 15, 2009
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  7. bjcadstuff

    bjcadstuff Notebook Consultant

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    If the hardware is close enough, you can "ghost" the drive from your old machine to the drive in your new machine. The more differences in the hardware and the more difficulty you will have. At some point it won't work at all.
     
    bjcadstuff, Jul 15, 2009
    #7
  8. beige

    beige Notebook Deity

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    DRIVERS for gods sake, i really don't recommend doing that , ghosting the drive may work if the laptops are nearly identical ( although i think windows may register some thing to ur specific hardware serials ), good luck trying
     
    beige, Jul 16, 2009
    #8