Moving to a new hard disk in Win98se

While I was using my Dad's computer I noticed his operating system for Win98SE is getting pretty corrupted (he has several removable disks, each with its own OS and setups). It's my fault, I had set up a 160 gig disk before I had it pounded in my hard head that 137Gig is the max for Win98se. I can set up one of his 160 Gig drives with the 137 partition, but then I have a different problem.

I can move all the data (including the win directory and program files) to another hard disk, there is an almost identical computer (with a slower CPU) networked next to his, and he has a DVD burner, so I have a lot of options for backing up his data.

What I have never figured out is how to "reconnect" the apps to a new OS install on his old computer, when all the "old" data (including his previous OS) is in a temp directory. Is it a matter of copying the registry (that doesn't sound right to me) or what? I know most of the basics, like how to copy his favorites on his browser, and I can do a 100% transfer of all his data, but is there a way of getting it back to where it was without setting each application back up manually, a tedious process if there ever was one?

If someone can recommend some reading material I'm willing to do the research. To be honest the backup feature on the properties/tools for drive C: has never seemed that practical either, although it has to have some application (maybe even the answer to my current problem).

Thanks guys, remember that we're talking about Win98SE.

 

Well I have done what you have suggested once before and that is to copy the registry files over (along with every thing else) after installing the OS on the other PC. But you must make sure that both OS'es are the same ie both Win98SE and that most of the hardware is pretty much the same.

You will then almost certainly have to boot into Safe Mode and delete some (or maybe even all) of the devices and then allow Windows to redect them on the next boot.

However having said this I still think a clean install of the OS and the apps will give you the most stable option.

 

Actually I was thinking of doing a clean install, but I also want to put all the applications back where they were. If I knew where the registery was for certain I would try copying it along with the program files, but I'm not too sure how well that would work.

 

Operation still remains risky since files like vmm32.vxd which are related to the dynamic drivers are created only during the install and are different from comp to comp. Win98SE don't make any update of it.

 

Hi some companys like HDD componys that let you copy the hole old HDD to a new HDD like for e.g.

The org hdd was 40 gig and you now have the 160 gig HDD but want the 160gig HDD to be the master boot drive because you need more space to store stuff or what ever and wish to make the 40 gig a spear HDD.

This is copyed from the seagate page


DiscWizard now called Migrate Easy link here.

But note: if the hdd you are useing is not a seagate do not use this tool go the the manufacturers websight that make your new HDD.

50% of the companys have them types of tool but not all.

Hope this helps you out

 

i didn't know that seagate supplies acronis migrate easy, it's news for me, but anyway migrate easy is a very good product.

 

Go to regedit then export the registry file. When you've done the new install import it back again (so save it to a removeable disk!!).