transfer

I have a decent laptop but am looking to upgrade because I need more power. My current laptop is highly customized with many, many programs, firewall configurations, windows tweaks etc. What I would like to do is buy to a new computer and copy my old hard drive to it, then install the correct drivers to get it working, as opposed to re-installing and configuring everything on the new computer, which would take a long time. I am aware that this can cause some issues but was wondering if anyone has done it with success. I have seen programs like Alohabob PC Relocator too. I would greatly appreciate advice on how to proceed here.

Thanks,
Mike

 

i have ACRONIS 10 and that will do the job perfectly plus it's easy to use as for cost i am not sure mine is 2 years old but has auto updates that came with the package.
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6127/97199868tq8.jpg

 

Sounds good. But should I be worried about issues with drivers? Once I copy the drive over I was thinking I should boot to Safe mode to and install the drivers for the new computer. Does that sound right?

Thanks,
Mike

 

No! Cloning to non-identical hardware is a BAD idea! There are tons of issues with drivers. This is more for replacing a hard drive in a single computer.

Compounding the matter is the fact that the license of Windows is most likely OEM. This CAN be done, but it will break your activation, and in fact, I would be surprised if the machine will boot at all.

Not to mention running an OEM license is not legal for any other hardware than what it came installed on.

Your best bet IS to reinstall your programs, and transfer over JUST the program data so that all the settings and information are intact. We can help with this, but would need to know the details of the programs that must be preserved.